navigation

noun

nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌna-və-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or practice of navigating

2

: the science of getting vehicles from place to place

especially : the method of determining position, course, and distance traveled

3

: ship traffic or commerce

navigational

ˌna-və-ˈgā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

navigationally adverb

Examples of navigation in a Sentence

If you're going to be a good sailor you need to master navigation.

I don't mind driving if you're willing to do the navigation.

Our new car has an onboard navigation system.

Navigation becomes more difficult further upriver.

There are back and forward buttons for easier browser navigation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ice conditions restrict navigation for much of the year, while specialized vessels, insurance premiums and Russian transit fees can erode savings from shorter voyages. — Lee Ying Shan,matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Satellites support communication networks, provide navigation signals and deliver information used for weather forecasting. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

The developments span air combat, hypersonic weapons, and the satellite infrastructure that military forces rely on for navigation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Depending on the connected device and setup, riders can access functions such as calls, music, and navigation through the display. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing navigation

• celestial navigation
• inertial navigation

Rhymes for navigation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

navigation

noun

nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌnav-ə-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or practice of navigating

2

: the science of getting ships, aircraft, or spacecraft from place to place

especially : the method of figuring out position, course, and distance traveled

navigational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective