navy

noun

na·​vy ˈnā-vē 

plural navies

1

: a group of ships : fleet

2

: a nation's ships of war and of logistic support

3

often Navy : the complete naval establishment of a nation including yards, stations, ships, and personnel

4

: a dark grayish purplish blue

Examples of navy in a Sentence

A similar submarine is used by several foreign navies.

a career in the navy

The shirt comes in black, white, and navy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The jacket can add color to a solid shirt and neutral trousers, while the pants can be worn with a navy polo or white button-down. — Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Shortly after, Sheinbaum announced that Mexico’s navy had been deployed from Acapulco in the ultimately unsuccessful search for a survivor. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Her white two-piece skirt suit featured a jacket with navy piping and lace-up detailing in the designer’s signature red, white and blue grosgrain ribbon. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

The man arrested in spandex and helmet during his visit to the Reflecting Pool was now in coat and tie, with an Olympic pin affixed to his navy jacket. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English navie, from Anglo-French, from Latin navigia ships, from navigare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing navy

• master chief petty officer of the navy
• navy bean
• navy blue
• navy yard

Rhymes for navy

• gravy
• wavy

Kids Definition

navy

noun

na·​vy ˈnā-vē 

plural navies

1

: a fleet of ships

2

: a nation's warships

3

often capitalized : a nation's complete equipment and organization for sea warfare

4

: a dark purplish blue