navigation

noun

nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌna-və-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce navigation (audio)
1
: the act or practice of navigating
2
: the science of getting vehicles from place to place
especially : the method of determining position, course, and distance traveled
3
: ship traffic or commerce
navigational adjective
navigationally adverb

Examples of navigation in a Sentence

If you're going to be a good sailor you need to master navigation. I don't mind driving if you're willing to do the navigation. Our new car has an onboard navigation system. Navigation becomes more difficult further upriver. There are back and forward buttons for easier browser navigation.
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 aging Airy had devoted his observatory to stellar measurements that now produced trifling improvements to navigation. Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025 This system equips each unit with advanced computing and sensor capabilities for intelligent navigation, perception, and task execution, accessible through a software subscription. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025 Instead of a pilot’s seat, there is an additional fuel tank and batteries that power navigation and communication systems, according to a report by the Ukrainian outlet Babel that CNN has confirmed. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 This screen also does navigation when paired Yamaha's mobile app, and there's a new USB-C port to power your phone or action cam on the go. New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for navigation

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of navigation was in 1547

Cite this Entry

“Navigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navigation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

navigation

noun
nav·​i·​ga·​tion ˌnav-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce navigation (audio)
1
: the act or practice of navigating
2
: the science of getting ships, aircraft, or spacecraft from place to place
especially : the method of figuring out position, course, and distance traveled
navigational
-shnəl How to pronounce navigation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on navigation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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