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

However, China—which operates the world's largest navy by hull count—has been accused of attempting to militarize the Yellow Sea by deploying warships to the PMZ and to waters considered part of South Korea's EEZ. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025

The offering includes the Women’s Printed Bonne Nuit pajamas ($395) in classic navy and white or a colorful white multiprint, as well as an elevated set in burgundy silk with delicate gold embroidery ($495). —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025

The three-time Super Bowl champ wore a navy Thom Browne suit set, featuring a red, white and blue stripe down the back of the jacket and matching shorts. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025

While some floral prints are best for spring weddings, this dress has a whimsical pattern of leaves, flowers, and other abstract shapes in autumn tones like navy, blue grey, and burnt orange. —Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 15 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