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
Derived 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.
"The ship is on the navigation route of other vessels and poses a serious risk in terms of maritime and vessel safety," Polat told AFP.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
It is now starting to build military-grade infrastructure like navigation beacons.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
He discussed how he used A.I. to update code for Google Maps and similar navigation websites so it tracked a tram that went between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
A tiny flow of vessels, including some large oil and gas tankers, are making the dangerous transit with help from the U.S. military, in some cases turning off lights and automatic navigation systems.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Theory in the classroom included the principles of flight, aircraft and weapons mechanical instruction, and navigation skills.
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.
