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

China is expected to have a third aircraft carrier operational with the navy this year. —Ellie Cook shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous 18 editions, but with a deep navy-blue label complimented by gold accents. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

If the debut white-and-navy look was too plain, the sequel was anything but, with vivid colors practically jumping off of the glossy design. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

Copy the lifestyle guru by picking up the blouse in army green, or choose from 19 additional colors, including black, khaki, navy, and beige — the latter color is the cheapest of the bunch. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 1 Sep. 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