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

Chuck Zimmerman, who is described by his supporters as a Navy veteran who was intercepted by the Russian navy while sailing in international waters. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

There was a portable record player in the back seat—this was in the days before tape decks and stuff—and the needle was skipping…anyway, Sheddan looks up and Cormac walks by, wearing a navy pea coat. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Beijing, often described as the challenger, combines industrial and supply chain dominance with the world’s largest navy and a tightening grip on the physical and digital infrastructure of countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026

The latest update features a tearaway navy canvas upper that gradually reveals a classic checkerboard underlay. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 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