# navy

/ˈneɪvi/ (US) · /nˈeɪvi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/navy
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. military force

noun · CEFR B1

the part of a country's armed forces that uses ships and submarines to fight at sea.

For teachers: a nation's entire maritime military force, including its personnel, vessels, and supporting infrastructure.

- He decided to join the navy because he wanted to travel the world by sea.
- The government announced a significant increase in funding for the navy to modernise its aging fleet of destroyers and submarines.

Usage: Often used with 'the' as a collective noun.

### 2. dark blue colour

noun · CEFR B1

a very dark shade of blue, like the colour of many police or sailor uniforms.

For teachers: a dark blue colour, frequently referred to as navy blue, traditionally associated with naval uniforms.

- She wore a smart suit in navy for her job interview.
- The interior designer recommended painting the accent wall in a deep navy to provide a sophisticated contrast with the white marble fireplace.

Usage: Can be used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun.

### 3. colour description

adjective · CEFR B1

having a very dark blue colour.

For teachers: possessing the specific dark blue hue characteristic of navy blue.

- He bought a navy sweater that matched his eyes perfectly.
- The bridesmaids were dressed in elegant navy gowns that complemented the nautical theme of the seaside wedding.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

### 4. a fleet of ships

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a large group of ships belonging to one person or country.

For teachers: any fleet of maritime vessels, including commercial or military ships belonging to a specific nationality.

- The merchant sent his navy across the ocean to trade spices.
- The historical chronicle describes how the merchant navy of the republic dominated trade routes throughout the Mediterranean for centuries.

Teaching tip: This sense is rarely found in modern speech; it is mostly encountered in historical texts or classic literature.

## Examples

- He joined the navy to see the world.
- The country is investing in its navy to protect the busy shipping lanes along its southern coast.
- Strategic dominance in the region depends largely on the strength of the navy, specifically its ability to deploy carrier strike groups across vast oceanic distances.

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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.