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

To the south in the Indian Ocean, the Indian navy has strengthened its presence as Beijing expanded its maritime activities. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

The strapless navy gown featured a sweetheart neckline embellished with black crystals. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

From the brand’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection, the navy suit features subtle gold detailing and is oversized with an extended shoulder, though the look still feels relatable, Mandelkorn says. —Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Feb. 2025

As part of a scientific expedition to obtain the exact location of the wreck, the navy officially confirmed the brothers’ 14-year-old discovery on January 16 using sonar imaging. —Max Saltman, CNN, 31 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