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 Navy : 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

Prince William wore a deep brown blazer with a navy sweater, navy trousers and dark brown suede lace-up shoes, keeping both looks in the same chocolate palette. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026

Try the navy striped set for a touch of French Provencal. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026

Gwyneth Paltrow whipped up her famous boyfriend-breakfast in a silky navy set, Kate Hudson sat for hair and makeup in a knitted turtleneck combo, and Demi Moore hung out with family in a gingham two-piece. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Right-hander Tatsuya Imai buttoned a white Astros jersey over his black suit, tucked his long hair inside a navy cap and, after putting pen to paper, became the first Astros player ever signed straight from an Asian professional league. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

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