naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl How to pronounce naval (audio)
1
obsolete : of or relating to ships or shipping
2
a
: of or relating to a navy
b
: consisting of or involving warships

Examples of naval in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The United States and South Korea wrapped up a four-day series of naval drills Sunday amid mounting tensions with North Korea's Kim Jong Un regime. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 Moreover, the international shipping interests that rerouted their vessels away from the Suez Canal continue to avoid the area, increasing global transit costs and calling American naval supremacy into question. The Editors, National Review, 8 May 2025 Standing alongside the Imperial State Crown, Charles is also shown wearing his naval uniform (Number 1 Ceremonial Day Dress) with medals and decorations. Simon Perry, People.com, 6 May 2025 Ukraine makes occasional drone strikes within Russia, and its degradation of Russian naval power in the Black Sea has been impressive, but Kyiv lacks the manpower and the materiel to capture large amounts of territory. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for naval

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin navalis, from navis ship

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of naval was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Naval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naval. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

naval

adjective
na·​val ˈnā-vəl How to pronounce naval (audio)
: of or relating to a navy or warships

More from Merriam-Webster on naval

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!