Word
naval
Phoneticsnaval
US/ˈneɪvəɫ/
UK/nˈeɪvəl/
Definitions
01relating to the navy
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. connected to a country's military ships or the people who work on them.
adj. relating to a navy or its military operations, vessels, and personnel.
“The city is famous for its large naval base where many sailors live.”
“The government announced a significant increase in naval spending to modernize the aging fleet of destroyers and submarines.”
Pitfall
The ship was docked at the navel base.
The ship was docked at the naval base.
Do not confuse 'naval' (military ships) with 'navel' (the belly button).
02relating to ships in general
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. relating to ships or sailing on the sea.
adj. pertaining to ships or shipping in a general sense, though this usage is less common than the military sense.
“The museum has a collection of naval maps from the eighteenth century.”
“The historian's lecture focused on the evolution of naval architecture and its impact on global trade routes during the age of sail.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “naval” in context.
Verb
01. conduct naval exercises
“The two allies will conduct naval exercises to improve their maritime coordination.”
verb + adj + noun
02. expand naval capabilities
“The nation is investing heavily to expand naval capabilities in the Pacific region.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. naval blockade
“The government decided to impose a naval blockade to prevent supplies from reaching the enemy port.”
adj + noun
04. naval officer
“She aspired to become a high-ranking naval officer like her grandfather.”
adj + noun
05. naval academy
“Cadets at the naval academy undergo rigorous physical and academic training.”
adj + noun
06. naval base
“The fleet returned to the naval base for repairs and refueling after the exercise.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. naval battle
“Historians still debate the strategic errors made during the decisive naval battle.”
adj + noun
08. naval vessel
“Several naval vessels were spotted patrolling the international waters near the coast.”
adj + noun
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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