armada
“armada” means “navy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
navy, fleet
Also: naval force
📝 In Action
La Armada Española tiene una larga historia marítima.
B1The Spanish Navy has a long maritime history.
La famosa Armada Invencible fue derrotada en 1588.
B2The famous Invincible Armada (fleet) was defeated in 1588.
Enviaron una pequeña armada para proteger la costa.
B1They sent a small fleet to protect the coast.
armed, equipped
Also: assembled
📝 In Action
La guardia de seguridad estaba armada con pistolas.
A2The security guard (feminine) was armed with pistols.
Es una mujer armada de valor y determinación.
B1She is a woman armed with courage and determination (figurative).
Encontraron la caja fuerte armada con un sistema de alarma.
B2They found the safe equipped with an alarm system.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: armada
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'armada' as a noun (meaning a navy or fleet)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the verb 'armar' (to arm or equip), which itself comes from the Latin word *armāre*, meaning 'to equip with arms or tools.' The noun meaning specifically refers to a large military force that has been 'armed' for war.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous historical use of the word 'Armada'?
The most famous use refers to the 'Spanish Armada' (La Armada Invencible), a massive fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England.
Why does 'armada' mean both 'navy' and 'armed'?
The noun 'armada' is literally the feminine form of the past participle, meaning 'a group that has been armed.' Over time, this noun specifically came to refer to the most heavily 'armed' group of ships—the navy.