navigate

American  

[nav-i-geyt] / ˈnæv ɪˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

navigated, navigating

1. to move on, over, or through (water, air, or land) in a ship or aircraft.

   to navigate a river.

2. to direct or manage (a ship, aircraft, or guided missile) on its course.

3. to ascertain or plot and control the course or position of (a ship, aircraft, etc.).

4. to pass over (the sea or other body of water), as a ship does.

5. to walk or find one's way on, in, or across.

   It was difficult to navigate the stairs in the dark.

6. to move or progress through in a logical sequence.

   Headings and subheadings make it easier to navigate a long article.

7. Computers. to move from one part to another of (a website, document, etc.), especially by using the links.

   Their site is uncluttered and easy to navigate.

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verb (used without object)

navigated, navigating

1. to direct or manage a ship, aircraft, or guided missile on its course.

2. to pass over the water, as a ship does.

3. to walk or find one's way.

4. to travel by ship or boat; sail.

5. to move or progress through something in a logical sequence.

   We’re navigating through a maze of environmental legislation.

6. Computers. to move from one part to another of a website, document, etc.

navigate British  

/ ˈnævɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to plan, direct, or plot the path or position of (a ship, an aircraft, etc)

2. (tr) to travel over, through, or on (water, air, or land) in a boat, aircraft, etc

3. informal to direct (oneself, one's way, etc) carefully or safely

   he navigated his way to the bar

4. (intr) (of a passenger in a motor vehicle) to give directions to the driver; point out the route

5. rare (intr) to voyage in a ship; sail

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Other Word Forms

• misnavigate verb
• renavigate verb (used with object)
• unnavigated adjective
• well-navigated adjective

Etymology

Origin of navigate

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin nāvigātus “sailed,” past participle of nāvigāre “to sail,” from nāv(is) “ship” + -igāre, combining form of agere “to drive, do”; cf. fumigate

Explanation

To navigate is to determine a path or course. If you volunteer to navigate on your family’s road trip to Alaska, be sure you’re the type who’s willing to stop and ask for directions. Navigate, like “navy” and “naval,” comes from the Latin word navis meaning “ship.” Without the luxury of modern technology, ancient sailors had to be excellent navigators; they often relied on the stars to chart their course. (We don’t recommend that you try this method of navigation with your family in the car.)

Example Sentences

Nepal's Department of Tourism posted on X: "As climbers navigate the route, utmost caution is urged, particularly in the serac-affected section. Wishing all a safe ascent."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“Yet there’s so much more we can do as we navigate a dynamic environment,” he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Moody’s Ratings has upgraded China’s credit outlook to stable from negative, citing its economic and fiscal strength to navigate challenges at home and abroad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

I understand that’s a very difficult thing to navigate while also running for governor and expanding your reach in this way.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

But without blueprints he would have to navigate the belly of this ship unaided.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Related Words

• cross
• cruise
• handle
• maneuver
• operate
• sail
• steer