# navigator

/ˈnævəˌɡeɪtɝ/ (US) · /nˈævɪɡˌeɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/navigator
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. person on a ship or plane

noun · CEFR B2

a person on a ship or aircraft who is responsible for finding the correct direction and path.

For teachers: a crew member or officer responsible for the navigation of a vessel or aircraft.

- The navigator checked the charts to make sure the ship was still on course.
- During the long-haul flight, the navigator constantly monitored the wind speeds and adjusted the flight path to conserve fuel.

### 2. GPS or electronic device

noun · CEFR B2

a device, like a GPS in a car, that shows you the way to a destination.

For teachers: an electronic device or software system that provides directions and tracks the position of a vehicle.

- I entered the hotel address into the car's navigator before we started driving.
- The satellite navigator recalculated the route within seconds after the driver missed the turn-off for the motorway.

Usage: Often shortened to 'satnav' in British English.

### 3. software interface

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a part of a computer program that helps you move through different files or pages.

For teachers: a graphical user interface element designed to facilitate movement through a complex data structure or website.

- Use the navigator on the left side of the screen to find your documents.
- The software update included a sidebar navigator that allowed users to jump between project folders without closing their current window.

### 4. canal labourer

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English

a worker who helped build canals or railways a long time ago.

For teachers: a manual labourer employed in the construction of major civil engineering projects such as canals or railways.

- Thousands of navigators worked in difficult conditions to build the new canal system.
- The local museum features an exhibit on the navigators who hand-dug the regional railway tunnels during the nineteenth century.

Usage: Usually shortened to 'navvy' in historical contexts.

Teaching tip: This sense is strictly historical; modern learners will almost exclusively encounter the word in maritime or technological contexts.

## Examples

- The navigator checked the map to find the quickest route.
- During the long flight across the ocean, the navigator constantly monitored the stars and the radar to stay on course.
- Early maritime explorers relied on a skilled navigator to interpret celestial patterns, as even a minor miscalculation could lead the entire crew hundreds of miles off their intended path.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.