naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

1

obsolete : of or relating to ships or shipping

2

a

: of or relating to a navy

b

: consisting of or involving warships

Examples of naval in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Denmark had been weakened by its defeat during the Second Schleswig War of 1864, and at this moment of Danish weakness, Seward had already discussed the purchase of Danish islands in the Caribbean to establish a naval base. —James Patton Rogers & Caroline Kennedy Pipe / Made By History , TIME, 23 Jan. 2025

The modernization of the People's Liberation Army naval fleet is being counted in years rather than decades, while China's Rocket Force could operate 1,000 nuclear warheads by the end of the decade, a recent U.S. Defense Department assessment said. —Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Halas will leave for Norman, Okla., to take up his naval aviation duties. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Mount Pleasant, SC): Explore the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and other historic naval vessels alongside interactive exhibits. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin navalis, from navis ship

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing naval

• chief of naval operations
• naval architect
• naval stores

Kids Definition

naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

: of or relating to a navy or warships