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

The outlet said more than 15 explosions shook Kharg Island, with the targets including air-defense systems, a naval base, an airport control tower and a helicopter hangar. —Arsalan Shahla, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026

Trump on Friday, March 13 announced plans to send naval escorts to help commercial ships navigate through the region. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

In past times of tension and conflict, Iran has at times harassed shipping though the narrows, and during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, both sides attacked tankers and other vessels, using naval mines to completely shut down traffic at points. —Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Targets included naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers and other military infrastructure, the official added. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 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