Armada

[ahr-mah-duh, -mey-]

noun

1. Also called Invincible Armada. Also called Spanish Armada. the fleet sent against England by Philip II of Spain in 1588. It was defeated by the English navy and later dispersed and wrecked by storms.

2. (lowercase),  any fleet of warships.

3. (lowercase),  a large group or force of vehicles, airplanes, etc..

   an armada of transport trucks.

Armada

¹

/ ɑːˈmɑːdə /

noun

1. See Spanish Armada

armada

²

/ ɑːˈmɑːdə /

noun

1. a large number of ships or aircraft

Word History and Origins

Origin of Armada¹

1525–35; < Spanish < Latin armāta armed forces, neuter plural of armātus (past participle of armāre to equip with arms). See arm ², -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Armada¹

C16: from Spanish, from Medieval Latin armāta fleet, armed forces, from Latin armāre to provide with arms

Example Sentences

Music producer Chris Whitehouse was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before creating a soundtrack for the festival's advert to be "voiced" by Idris Elba, who - he was told by Mr Kenny - would also DJ at the festival alongside dance headliners Groove Armada and Whigfield.

From BBC

Elba's agent said there was, "no record of Idris doing anything for this man" and Groove Armada and Whigfield said they were never booked.

From BBC

The book was translated in the year of the Spanish Armada – when Elizabeth I was monarch – by Bishop William Morgan as part of an effort to bring scriptures to people in languages they understood.

From BBC

But they are not alone in these disputed waters: just off shore, to the west, lies an armada of ships.

From BBC

Onion dip, served with Ruffles and an armada of crudités?

From Salon

Related Words

• fleet 
• flotilla 
• squadron