navigation

noun

nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌna-və-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce navigation (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Personalize benefits while focusing on flexibility and helping employees through benefits navigation and decision support – Employees increasingly are focused on workplace flexibility, from work arrangements to benefits. John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The mission sought to test four primary areas of spaceflight: structural performance in orbital flight, surviving reentry, autonomous navigation, and recovery in real-world conditions. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 American grand strategists also need to ask whether the country still benefits from being the preponderant provider of global public goods, such as freedom of navigation. Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 The scientists then created a magnetic vacuum to remove the magnetic field inside the arena, hoping to isolate any other senses that might be aiding in navigation. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for navigation

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of navigation was in 1547

Cite this Entry

“Navigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navigation. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

navigation

noun
nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌnav-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce navigation (audio)
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 How to pronounce navigation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on navigation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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