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

The comments come amid growing concerns that the threat of mines in the key waterway, as well as the standoff between the two navies, will leave the crucial trade route effectively blocked for some time. —Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026

My cabin had a neutral-toned color scheme with decor in varying shades of beige and a dark navy carpet, which was a nice contrast to the vibrant art that decorates most of the ship. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

There, Louis matched with big brother Prince George in a navy suit and light blue tie. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Most of Iran’s navy may be at the bottom of the ocean, as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims. —Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 23 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