convoy
B2Formal, Military, News, General
Definition
Meaning
A group of vehicles or ships traveling together, typically for mutual support and protection.
The act of accompanying and protecting a person or group, especially in a military or security context. Can also refer to a group of people traveling together for safety.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, but can be used as a verb. The noun form is more common. Implies organization, purpose, and often protection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb form is used slightly more in military/formal contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with military operations, naval protection, and organized transport in dangerous situations.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in UK news due to historical naval usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
convoy of + [vehicles/ships]convoy + [destination/purpose]to convoy + [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in convoy”
- “convoy of hope”
- “run the convoy (historical naval)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might refer to a coordinated group of trucks for logistics.
Academic
Used in historical, military, and logistics studies.
Everyday
Used in news reports about conflicts, aid shipments, or major protests involving vehicles.
Technical
Standard term in military, naval, and security logistics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The frigate was ordered to convoy the merchant ships through the danger zone.
- The aid lorries will be convoyed by UN peacekeepers.
American English
- The destroyers convoyed the supply ships across the Atlantic.
- Security forces convoyed the dignitaries from the airport.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival use)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The trucks drove in a long convoy.
- The ships sailed together in a convoy.
- A military convoy passed through the town this morning.
- The aid convoy delivered food to the disaster area.
- The naval convoy was escorted by two destroyers to protect it from submarines.
- Protesters formed a convoy of vehicles to block the motorway.
- During the war, the convoy system was essential for getting supplies across the U-boat-infested Atlantic.
- The journalist embedded with the convoy reported on the precarious security situation along the route.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONVOY of Vans On the Y(high)way, all traveling together for safety.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS TRAVELING TOGETHER; ORGANIZATION IS A MOVING CHAIN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a general 'колонна' (column) of people on foot. It's specifically for vehicles/vessels.
- Not 'караван' (caravan) in the sense of traders or camels, unless it's a group of vehicles in the desert.
- The verb 'конвоировать' is a direct cognate but is very formal/military in Russian, similar to English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'convoy' for a single vehicle. (Incorrect: *The president's car was a large convoy.)
- Using it for disorganized crowds. (Incorrect: *A convoy of tourists filled the square.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'convoy' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while strongly associated with military and security contexts, it is correctly used for any organized group of vehicles or ships traveling together for mutual support, such as aid convoys or truck convoys.
A 'motorcade' is specifically a procession of motor vehicles, often carrying important people (e.g., a president). A 'convoy' is broader, can include ships, and emphasizes mutual support and protection, not just ceremony or importance.
Yes, though less common than the noun. It means to accompany and escort (vehicles, ships, or people) for protection. (e.g., 'The warships convoyed the cargo vessels.')
Not inherently, but it often results from the need to stay together. The focus is on collective movement and protection, not speed.