naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

1

obsolete : of or relating to ships or shipping

2

a

: of or relating to a navy

b

: consisting of or involving warships

Examples of naval in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After the 1917 purchase, the islands served for decades as a strategic Caribbean outpost for the United States military and a hub of naval operations. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

Wander past historic naval ships moored at Hyde Street Pier, watch playful sea lions lounge at Pier 39, or sip steaming clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls from Boudin Bakery & Café. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Reconnaissance pods extend the bomber’s reach The H-6J is a naval strike variant of the PLA Air Force’s H-6 bomber family and has been in service for at least five years. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026

Other experts have noted that Russian naval activity in the Arctic is concentrated near Norway, while China's Arctic involvement has focused on trade with Russia and exercises near Alaska. —Laura Doan, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin navalis, from navis ship

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing naval

• chief of naval operations
• naval architect
• naval stores

Rhymes for naval

• navel
• primaeval

Kids Definition

naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl 

: of or relating to a navy or warships