navigation
Americannoun
-
the act or process of navigating.
-
the art or science of plotting, ascertaining, or directing the course of a ship, aircraft, or guided missile.
-
Computers.
-
the act or process of moving from one part of a website, software program, document, etc., to another part, especially by using links or menus.
-
the design and placement of user interface elements like links and menus that allow a user to move from one part of a website, software program, document, etc., to another part.
-
noun
-
the skill or process of plotting a route and directing a ship, aircraft, etc, along it
-
the act or practice of navigating
dredging made navigation of the river possible
-
rare ship traffic; shipping
-
dialect an inland waterway; canal
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of navigation
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin nāvigātiōn- (stem of nāvigātiō ) “a voyage”; see navigate, -ion
Explanation
Navigation is all about figuring out how to get somewhere. If you are lost, hopefully your cell phone can act as a navigation device. You're most likely to come across the noun navigation when you're learning to sail a boat or pilot a ship or airplane. Large vessels that travel long distances often need some help in planning a route and following it, and that's exactly what navigation is all about. The Latin word navigare, "to sail, sail over, go by sea, steer a ship," is at the root of navigation, and it in turn comes from navis, "ship."
Vocabulary lists containing navigation
"Rogue Wave," Vocabulary from the short story
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Lesson 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Rogue Wave" by Theodore Taylor
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"So the interconnectedness, visa-free travel and ease of payment and navigation makes China much closer than it used to be," Gabuev says.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
The official line softened into neutrality: calls for de-escalation, freedom of navigation, dialogue among “all parties.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
Coordinated radio tracking through the DSN may also help future spacecraft navigation efforts during later missions to Mars.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
The data came from a driver’s use of OnStar, which is owned by GM and provides roadside assistance, navigation and other services.
From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026
“Blind flying” is what early aviators called air navigation using instruments in poor visibility.
From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
