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

Hawke was dressed in a navy suit for the occasion, matching Ryan's gown, which featured several shades of blue. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

At that time, four large military drones were spotted off the Dublin coast, flying for two hours above an Irish navy ship, the report said. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

Oliver, 49, exited a helicopter in a navy suit, with men in protective gear carrying guns on either side. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Britain possessed the world's strongest navy, a professional army, immense financial resources, and global reach. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 1 July 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