navigation

1 of 2

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

navigational

2 of 2

adjective

nav·​i·​ga·​tion·​al

-shnəl

: of, relating to, or used in navigation

navigational difficulties

navigational astronomy

the navigational planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn

navigationally

-ᵊl|ē, 

-əl|, 

|i

adverb

Examples of navigation in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

This allows developers to test and fine-tune navigation policies in environments that more closely match where a robot could eventually operate. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Provide a mobile health unit, transportation, telehealth specialty consultations, care coordination, patient navigation, postpartum follow-up, and obstetric workforce training. — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026

In addition, Pakistan reported meaningful progress in talks aimed at de-escalation and restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Broccardo noted. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

The telescope Just like a helicopter's nose holds critical navigation and visibility instruments, the front of Roman is home to the telescope, which gathers starlight and sends it to the science instruments behind. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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