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

China has long claimed the sovereign territory as its own and regularly conducts large-scale military drills, live-fire exercises, and daily air and naval patrols to apply pressure on the island. — Mariam Khan, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Washington has been launching strikes on military targets and industrial infrastructure and putting economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions and a naval blockade for close to seven months now. — Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

On the one hand, the United States is making a historic investment in naval power. — George Whittier, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Flags can be ordered lowered by the North Carolina Governor at state buildings and by a Presidential proclamation, which affects federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels. — Anna Roman, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 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