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

Keep scrolling for more of our top navy dress picks below. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

Draper James has also worked with Keds on two low-top silhouettes in four different colorways, including magnolia flower print, navy gingham, eyelet and chambray in 2020. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 13 May 2026

For male guests, a black or navy-blue suit with a bow tie is also acceptable. —Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026

The couch features a modern, squared design in a navy performance suede, which is soft to the touch but can stand up to spills. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 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