convoi

Convoi is a French noun that denotes a group of vehicles or vessels traveling together along a common route, usually for safety, coordination, or a shared purpose. The term is used in both civilian and military contexts to describe a coordinated movement of multiple conveyances, such as cars, trucks, ships, or trains.

Etymology and usage are closely linked with its English cognate convoy. The French convoi originates from the same linguistic family as the English term, with usage expanding into various specialized phrases. In French, the word can appear in formal, legal, and procedural language as well as in everyday speech.

In military and logistical history, convoi often refers to organized movements protected by escorts or support vehicles. The concept is central to the convoy system, developed to reduce losses from enemy action by distributing risk and providing mutual protection. Historical examples include naval and overland convoys in wartime as well as modern multinational supply convoys.

In civilian and ceremonial contexts, convoi appears in phrases such as convoi exceptionnel (an oversized or special transport requiring official authorization and police escort) and convoi funèbre (a funeral procession). The term thus covers both routine group travel and highly regulated, purpose-driven movements.

See also: convoy (English), escort, logistics, funeral procession.