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
In previous conflicts in the Middle East, those were our largest targets for our adversaries because fuel convoys create repeatable paths. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 On the way back, a vehicle in the convoy veered off the road and fell into a ravine. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 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

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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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convoy

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