naval

adjective

na·​val ˈnā-vəl How to pronounce naval (audio)
Synonyms of navalnext
1
obsolete : of or relating to ships or shipping
2
a
: of or relating to a navy
b
: consisting of or involving warships

Examples of naval in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Sea of Okhotsk provides an important operating area for Russian naval forces based in the region. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026 Naval engineers built elegant streets lined with glass balconies that became the envy of northwestern Spain, and more than a century later, Spain’s future dictator, Francisco Franco, the son of a naval officer, was born there. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Scientists dream of making spider silk into high-performing materials for seat belts, helmets, naval materials, and even scaffolds to help repair brain cells. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026 In December 2023, the United States launched Operational Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a naval coalition soon joined by more than 20 countries. — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for naval

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin navalis, from navis ship

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of naval was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing naval

Rhymes for naval

See All Rhymes for naval

Browse Nearby Words

Navajo stitch
naval
naval architect
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Cite this Entry

“Naval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naval. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

naval

adjective
na·​val ˈnā-vəl How to pronounce naval (audio)
: of or relating to a navy or warships

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