navy

American  

[ney-vee] / ˈneɪ vi /

noun

plural

navies

1. the whole body of warships and auxiliaries belonging to a country or ruler.

2. (often initial capital letter) the complete body of such warships together with their officers and enlisted personnel, equipment, yards, etc., constituting the sea power of a nation.

3. (often initial capital letter) the department of government charged with its management.

4. navy blue.

5. Archaic. a fleet of ships.

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adjective

1. belonging or connected to a navy; naval.

   navy vessels in the harbor;

   a navy officer with combat experience aboard a submarine.

2. of the color navy blue.

   Either tie will look great with your navy suit.

navy British  

/ ˈneɪvɪ /

noun

1. the warships and auxiliary vessels of a nation or ruler

2. (often capital) the branch of a country's armed services comprising such ships, their crews, and all their supporting services and equipment

3. short for navy blue

4. archaic a fleet of ships

5. ( as modifier )

   a navy custom

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Other Word Forms

• pronavy adjective

Etymology

Origin of navy

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English navie, from Middle French, from unattested Vulgar Latin navia, equivalent to Latin nāv(is) “ship” + -ia noun suffix ( -y ³ )

Example Sentences

“This interiority we have is so precious,” says Pollan, as he leans back against his cushy brown sofa in a navy blue sweater and worn loafers, a cup of green tea at his side.

From Los Angeles Times

In contrast, a Russian navy helicopter carrier that participated in the recent drills departed when the exercise came to an end Thursday, according to Iran’s state-run news agency.

From The Wall Street Journal

An AFP journalist who flew to Thitu Island aboard a second plane saw Chinese navy and coast guard vessels patrolling near the island.

From Barron's

One expert on Polynesian history has estimated that between 1862 and 1888—when Easter Island was brought under the jurisdiction of the Chilean navy—“about 94% of the population perished or emigrated.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Two Mexican navy ships arrived in Havana on Thursday with 814 tons of food supplies.

From Barron's