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

Available in both bright pink floral and sleek navy, this linen-blend maxi dress has an option for every type of vacation, whether you’re headed to a tropical destination or a Euro-summer beach vacation. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 June 2026

For the next hour or so, the colors of the canopy shifted, slowly but perceptibly, as the sky clung to its blue and then, after lingering in the inkiest navy for just a few precious minutes, seemed to give it all away. — Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026

This does not mean each Chinese submarine is more advanced than those from other navies. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026

Speaking during a meeting of the Workers' Party's Central Committee on Monday, Kim said the navy would undergo changes to its status, role and scope of operations. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

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