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

She is clad in a burgundy-and-navy-floral kaftan and matching headwrap. —Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025

Beijing then used the proceeds to build its own navy, which is now eclipsing the American one. —Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

The nautical navy color represents the ship's old ironsides, and heritage red hints at its cannons. —Janay Reece, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025

Two of my favorite picks include an under-$100 navy-blue number with a blouson bodice and a purple option with cap sleeves and a cowl back. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 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