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

These aircraft are capable of operating from naval ships, enhancing Tokyo’s tactical flexibility amid rising tensions with Beijing. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026

Another aircraft carrier is on the way to the region, with more naval destroyers in tow. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

Despite ongoing talks, the White House has been briefed that the US military could be ready for an attack by the weekend, after a buildup in recent days of air and naval assets in the Middle East, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. —Farida Elsebai, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026

For ships and naval stations ashore, the flags are flown at half-mast. —Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 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