naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

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

Iran’s oil exports have been severely limited by the US naval blockade. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Greek fire The Byzantine Empire deployed an incendiary substance known as Greek fire during naval warfare from around the seventh century CE. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the US is getting ready to squeeze Iran with unprecedented economic pressure, a claim critics greeted with skepticism given the country is already subject to a naval blockade and thousands of sanctions. — Magdalena Del Valle, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

His return was hopelessly delayed by England’s naval war with Spain, then the most powerful naval force in the world. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin navalis, from navis ship

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing naval

• chief of naval operations
• naval architect
• naval stores

Rhymes for naval

• navel

Kids Definition

naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

: of or relating to a navy or warships