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

Choose these jeans in dark shades like navy, dark gray, and black, which add a more formal look. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 4 May 2025

Prima thought she would be suited to a long coat that was navy or dark brown, in very soft wool. —Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025

Since its inception, the Tomahawk has long served aboard American and British warships and submarines, with upcoming operators also planning on introducing the missile to their respective navies. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Snap them up in three core colors: black/white, natural white/gum, and gravel/white, plus bright limited hues like pink or navy. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 30 Apr. 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