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

Washington and Hanoi, once former enemies, have also expanded their security relationship, and U.S. navy ships have made port calls in Vietnam in recent years. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 16 Jan. 2025

France’s first lady wore a navy gown with a high neckline. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

Pugh dons a floor-length deep blue skirt and blazer-style jacket combination, with Abbott in a navy suit and hat, complete with a silver waistcoat chain, clutching a weekender-style bag. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

This machine-washable jacket is filled with warm, synthetic down, and comes in two shades: black and admiral navy. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 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

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