1.
fleet, naval squadron, flotilla
A group of warships organized under a single commander for military operations. Used in both historical and modern military contexts, as well as in science fiction and gaming.
艦隊が出港した。
The fleet set sail.
連合艦隊は太平洋で大きな海戦を戦った。
The combined fleet fought a major naval battle in the Pacific.
この映画では、宇宙艦隊が未知の惑星に向かって旅立つ壮大な物語が描かれている。
This movie depicts a grand story of a space fleet setting off toward an unknown planet.
USAGE:
Originally a military term but widely known through historical education, war films, and popular culture. The word gained widespread modern recognition through the game franchise 艦隊これくしょん (KanColle). Also commonly used in science fiction for space fleets.
HISTORICAL NOTE:
The 連合艦隊 (Combined Fleet) was the main fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy and features prominently in Japanese World War II history.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 連合艦隊: combined fleet
- 艦隊司令官: fleet commander
- 宇宙艦隊: space fleet