convoy

1 of 2

verb

con·​voy ˈkän-ˌvȯi How to pronounce convoy (audio) kən-ˈvȯi How to pronounce convoy (audio)
convoyed; convoying; convoys
Synonyms of convoy

transitive verb

: accompany
especially : to escort for protection

convoy

2 of 2

noun

con·​voy ˈkän-ˌvȯi How to pronounce convoy (audio)
1
: one that convoys
especially : a protective escort (as for ships)
2
: the act of convoying
3
: a group convoyed or organized for convenience or protection in moving

Synonyms of convoy

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Verb

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Examples of convoy in a Sentence

Verb The tankers were convoyed by warships. Police and FBI agents convoyed the President to the White House. Noun a long convoy of trucks The President always travels in a convoy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
During America's quasi-war with France in 1798, Talbot finally got command of his own ship, capturing several French privateers and convoying American merchant ships aboard the USS Constitution. — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026 After the 41-3 loss to Iowa, the Minnesota football team had plenty of time to stew, reflect and even watch film on a group of coach busses convoying north without the company of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
That invasion, which saw the new barnacle outcompete other native species, was linked to New Zealand ships being held in English ports while awaiting convoy escorts. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026 English was serving on a military transition team working with Iraqi forces when the EFP struck his vehicle during a convoy operation. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convoy

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle French convoier, from Old French conveier, from Vulgar Latin *conviare — more at convey

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convoy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing convoy

Rhymes for convoy

See All Rhymes for convoy

Browse Nearby Words

convolvulus
convoy
convulsant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convoy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

convoy

2 of 2 noun
con·​voy ˈkän-ˌvȯi How to pronounce convoy (audio)
1
: one that convoys
2
: the act of convoying
3
: a group convoyed

More from Merriam-Webster on convoy

Nglish: Translation of convoy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convoy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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