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

Two people have been arrested in Scotland for trying to enter the naval base where Britain’s nuclear submarines are kept, officials said. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

The ship will allow France to maintain its naval aviation capabilities without relying on foreign bases, ensuring operational freedom from the Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026

Until now, the US’ strikes on Iranian naval assets have been in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

This advancement comes at a critical time in defense politics as China's naval fleet continues to surge in size and capability. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 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
• primaeval

Kids Definition

naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

: of or relating to a navy or warships