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

Prince William wore a navy suit with a striped blue and white tie. —Sarah Sotoodeh , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026

To join then-mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, and Governor Kathy Hochul on the One World Trade Center's observation deck, Meghan sported a sharp black and navy ensemble with her hair elegantly tied in a neat bun. —Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026

The actress also donned a navy Di Petsa gown for the afterparty. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

The Prince of Wales, 43, and all three kids also wore blue ensembles, with navy suits for Prince William and Prince George, a blue dress, tights and coat for Princess Charlotte and navy blazer with lighter blue shorts and knee socks for Prince Louis during his Easter debut. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 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