navy

noun

na·​vy ˈnā-vē 

plural navies

1

: a group of ships : fleet

2

: a nation's ships of war and of logistic support

3

often capitalized : the complete naval establishment of a nation including yards, stations, ships, and personnel

4

: a dark grayish purplish blue

Examples of navy in a Sentence

A similar submarine is used by several foreign navies.

a career in the navy

The shirt comes in black, white, and navy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The oversized cardigan comes in five neutral colors: white, tan, light gray, black, and navy, and they are each made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere. —Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2025

The navy deployed the amphibious transport ship HNLMS. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Hashtag Home Outdoor Burley Gliding Metal Bench This retro glider adds color to a patio thanks to its bright red, turquoise, and navy shades. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Model Selena Forrest embraced a cozy vibe in a matching navy and baby blue velour sweatsuit. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English navie, from Anglo-French, from Latin navigia ships, from navigare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing navy

• master chief petty officer of the navy
• navy bean
• navy blue
• navy yard

Rhymes for navy

• gravy
• wavy

Kids Definition

navy

noun

na·​vy ˈnā-vē 

plural navies

1

: a fleet of ships

2

: a nation's warships

3

often capitalized : a nation's complete equipment and organization for sea warfare

4

: a dark purplish blue