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

This new Type 093 variant is expected to enhance the Chinese navy's anti-surface warfare capability and could provide a land-attack option if equipped with cruise missiles, with China placing a high priority on modernizing its submarine force, the report said. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

The navy, check, and red stripe stocking brings classic colors to your holiday display with a touch of blue plaid. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Snag the cardigan in caramel, gray, navy, and five other warm hues. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

The Russian navy’s 810th Naval Infantry Brigade is responsible for the main counterattack along the salient’s eastern edge. —David Axe, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

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

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