navigation

noun

nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌna-və-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or practice of navigating

2

: the science of getting vehicles from place to place

especially : the method of determining position, course, and distance traveled

3

: ship traffic or commerce

navigational

ˌna-və-ˈgā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

navigationally adverb

Examples of navigation in a Sentence

If you're going to be a good sailor you need to master navigation.

I don't mind driving if you're willing to do the navigation.

Our new car has an onboard navigation system.

Navigation becomes more difficult further upriver.

There are back and forward buttons for easier browser navigation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are an in-dash navigation system and a wireless smartphone charging pad. —James Raia, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025

Robust corporate reputation management, especially through the careful navigation of geopolitical tensions, has become a key differentiator. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

D’Amico’s earlier work using onboard star tracker cameras to support satellite swarm navigation has been successfully deployed on NASA’s Starling Mission. —Robin Roenker, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025

The program will also focus on electronic systems within aircraft such as communication, navigation and other flight instruments. —Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing navigation

• celestial navigation

Rhymes for navigation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

navigation

noun

nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌnav-ə-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or practice of navigating

2

: the science of getting ships, aircraft, or spacecraft from place to place

especially : the method of figuring out position, course, and distance traveled

navigational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective