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 capitalized : 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 neutral colors, including dark brown, black, navy, olive green, and gray, are ideal for fall styling. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

Tensions flared in August when a Chinese navy destroyer and coast guard vessel collided while seeking to block a Philippine government mission to supply local fishermen. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

His own brand, based in Saint Tropez, blended those sensibilities with a yachty French Rivera streak that saw solid white and navy garments included in every season, a nautical touch that’s remained in its collections to the present day. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025

Tuxpan Mayor Jesús Fomperoza said on Facebook on Tuesday that Pemex, the navy, security forces and energy and environmental agency personnel were working with local and state officials to keep the spill from reaching municipal water systems. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 22 Oct. 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