naval

adjective na·val \ ˈnā-vəl \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of naval

1 obsolete : of or relating to ships or shipping

2 a : of or relating to a navy

b : consisting of or involving warships

See naval defined for English-language learners

See naval defined for kids

Recent Examples of naval from the Web

After serving as a U.S. naval officer during the Second World War, Long attended the University of California, Los Angeles, on the G.I. bill.

— oren peleg, Jewish Journal, "Surviving flight crew member who saved Yemenite Jews honored," 13 June 2018
As depicted on the hit Netflix series The Crown, whispering courtiers – along with Elizabeth’s father King George VI – had reservations about Philip Mountbatten, a young, dashing naval officer.

— simon perry, PEOPLE.com, "How the Queen Fought to Marry the Love of Her Life, Prince Philip," 10 June 2018
She is followed by retired naval officer Matt Feely with $22,881.

— patricia sullivan, Washington Post, "Alexandria mayoral candidates face final campaign days with nearly equal cash," 5 June 2018
While Fergie was adjusting to motherhood, Prince Andrew was traveling the world as a naval officer.

— amanda garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Who Are Princess Eugenie's Parents, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew?," 5 June 2018
The book was going to be about ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging that became an enormous part of Beverly’s life after her naval officer husband’s tour of duty in Japan.

— john schwartz, New York Times, "Audiobooks for Those Long Summer Drives, Without the Kids," 28 May 2018
Schelling was born in California in 1921 to a naval officer and a school teacher.

— kwegyirba croffie and madeleine thompson, CNN, "Family auctions Nobel medal for $187,000. Donates it to fight hate," 2 June 2018
Take a hike through the firs and madrones of 240-acre Grand Forest, or rent a ride from one of the two nearby bike shops and spend the day spinning country lanes to places like Fort Ward Park, home to a secret World War II naval base.

— tim neville, Outside Online, "The Definitive Guide to Visiting the Pacific Northwest," 24 May 2018
Some argued that the district had to have an outsider, but a former naval officer — David Brewer — was lost at sea as LAUSD superintendent.

— steve lopez, latimes.com, "Austin Beutner's first homework assignment: Study this advice, many difficult tests to follow," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'naval.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of naval

Middle English, from Latin navalis, from navis ship

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

NAVAL Defined for English Language Learners

naval

adjective

Definition of naval for English Language Learners

: of or relating to a country's navy

NAVAL Defined for Kids

naval

adjective na·val \ ˈnā-vəl \

Definition of naval for Students

: of or relating to a navy or warships

naval vessels

Learn More about naval

Spanish Central: Translation of naval Nglish: Translation of naval for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of naval for Arabic speakers

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naval

Definition of naval

Recent Examples of naval from the Web

Origin and Etymology of naval

Other Nautical Terms

NAVAL Defined for English Language Learners

naval

Definition of naval for English Language Learners

NAVAL Defined for Kids

naval

Definition of naval for Students

Learn More about naval

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