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
ˌna-və-ˈgā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce navigation (audio)
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.
That could mean a dog, deer or even a child, sprinting onto a road; a detour unforeseen on a navigation app or a suddenly active construction zone. — Alexa St. John, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes around the closure, including using navigation apps. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026 De La Rosa is also charged with violence against maritime navigation, resulting in death, according to the indictment. — David Goodhue october 12, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 But Washington has said that the principle of free navigation in international waters is inviolable, a stance echoed by Gulf states that rely on the strait for much of their trade. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing navigation

Rhymes for navigation

See All Rhymes for navigation

Browse Nearby Words

navigating officer
navigation
navigational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Navigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navigation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about navigation

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