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 is incredible for a country that has no navy, to destroy an enemy's advanced navy; for a country that has no air force, to attack and incapacitate the air force bases in Russia. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024

It’s made from a soft mixture of 86% cotton and 14% polyester and features a cool abstract sun print that’s available in navy (pictured above), green, light blue, or orange. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 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