navy

noun

na·​vy ˈnā-vē 

plural navies

1

: a group of ships : fleet

2

: a nation's ships of war and of logistic support

3

often Navy : the complete naval establishment of a nation including yards, stations, ships, and personnel

4

: a dark grayish purplish blue

Examples of navy in a Sentence

A similar submarine is used by several foreign navies.

a career in the navy

The shirt comes in black, white, and navy.

Recent Examples on the Web

For the greeting, Kate wore a blue Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton coat paired with a navy dress by Burberry, suede boots, and a hat by Juliette Botterill. —Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2025

The sleeves of the blouse were rolled at the wrists, sitting atop the navy oversize blazer with gold button detailing and sharp shoulders. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Dec. 2025

The Chinese navy operates four vessels of the class, with the fourth, CNS , officially confirmed in August to be in service. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

At the entrance, bellmen in crisp navy suits greet us like old friends—warm, genuine, and effortlessly polished. —Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English navie, from Anglo-French, from Latin navigia ships, from navigare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing navy

• master chief petty officer of the navy
• navy bean
• navy blue
• navy yard

Rhymes for navy

• gravy
• wavy

Kids Definition

navy

noun

na·​vy ˈnā-vē 

plural navies

1

: a fleet of ships

2

: a nation's warships

3

often capitalized : a nation's complete equipment and organization for sea warfare

4

: a dark purplish blue