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

Scientists inserted genes associated with Alzheimer’s into mouse genomes, breeding animals that had high levels of amyloid in their brains; the mice then began to struggle with spatial navigation. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

The tanker had switched off its navigation systems, Fars said, referring to a common practice by commercial vessels trying to obscure their movements in the region. — CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Consultants bring training in dementia, grief, financial navigation and adult protective services, and stay with a family for months or years, not a single visit. — Raginee Sudhir Chaurey, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

Cognitive symptoms could include illusions or hallucinations — some patients report sensing a shadowy figure nearby — and difficulties with problem solving and navigation. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 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