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

My wife was wearing a navy jacket and beige pants, and underneath, pantyhose. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

Karen Pittman wears a fun navy-and-white dress at the Emmy FYC screening for The Morning Show season 4 on June 7 in Los Angeles. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

The navy tone is regal and classic without being too dark or too bright, and this dress can work for any season. —Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 9 June 2026

Available in red or navy, the sandals are adjustable for comfort with quick-drying straps so water isn't an issue, and the sole was crafted to grip river rocks so slipping is never an issue. —Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 9 June 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