verb (used with object),nav·i·gat·ed,nav·i·gat·ing.
to move on, over, or through (water, air, or land) in a ship or aircraft: to navigate a river.
to direct or manage (a ship, aircraft, or guided missile) on its course.
to ascertain or plot and control the course or position of (a ship, aircraft, etc.).
to pass over (the sea or other body of water), as a ship does.
to walk or find one's way on, in, or across: It was difficult to navigate the stairs in the dark.
to move or progress through in a logical sequence: Headings and subheadings make it easier to navigate a long article.
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.
verb (used without object),nav·i·gat·ed,nav·i·gat·ing.
to direct or manage a ship, aircraft, or guided missile on its course.
to pass over the water, as a ship does.
to walk or find one's way.
to travel by ship or boat; sail.
to move or progress through something in a logical sequence: We’re navigating through a maze of environmental legislation.
Computers. to move from one part to another of a website, document, etc.
Origin of navigate
1580–90; < Latinnāvigātus, past participle of nāvigāre to sail, derivative of nāvis ship; for formation, see fumigate
Related formsmis·nav·i·gate, verb,mis·nav·i·gat·ed,mis·nav·i·gat·ing.re·nav·i·gate, verb (used with object),re·nav·i·gat·ed,re·nav·i·gat·ing.un·nav·i·gat·ed, adjectivewell-nav·i·gat·ed, adjective
1580s, a back-formation from navigation, or else from Latin navigatus, past participle of navigare. Extended to balloons (1784) and later to aircraft (1901). Related: Navigated; navigating.
