navvy

noun

nav·vy ˈna-vē

plural navvies

Synonyms of navvy next

chiefly British

: an unskilled laborer

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration from navigator construction worker on a canal

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of navvy was in 1829

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Navratilova

navvy

navy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Navvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navvy. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

navvy

noun

nav·vy ˈnav-ē

plural navvies

chiefly British

: an unskilled laborer

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navvy

noun

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