navvy

noun

nav·​vy ˈna-vē How to pronounce navvy (audio)
plural navvies
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

Dictionary Entries Near navvy

Cite this Entry

“Navvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navvy. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

navvy

noun
nav·​vy ˈnav-ē How to pronounce navvy (audio)
plural navvies
chiefly British
: an unskilled laborer

More from Merriam-Webster on navvy

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