flotilla
n.a group of small boats or ships that travel together for a specific reason, like a parade or a race.
n.a group of small boats or ships sailing together, typically for a specific purpose such as a parade, a race, or a military operation.
“The city held a colorful flotilla to celebrate the summer.”
“A small flotilla of fishing vessels gathered in the harbor to protest the new fishing restrictions.”
“The naval flotilla moved slowly through the narrow strait, its formation designed to protect the lead ship from potential ambushes by the coastal defenders.”
“Three boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived in Albania’s Vlore on Friday to support the “Flamingo Revolution,” a movement opposing a planned luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner.”
“Israel has attacked every flotilla trying to help Gaza since 2010, and volunteers on previous missions say they were abused by Israeli forces.”
From Spanish flotilla, diminutive of flota (“fleet”), from French flotte.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.