The part of a country's military that fights and works at sea using ships and sometimes aircraft. It can also refer to all the warships of a nation.
From Latin 'navis' meaning 'ship', through Old French 'navie' meaning 'fleet, ships'. Over time it narrowed in English to mean a state's organized sea forces.
The same root 'nav-' that gives us 'navy' also appears in 'navigate' and 'naval', all tied to ships. Historically, a strong navy often meant a powerful empire, because controlling the seas meant controlling trade and war.
Navies have historically been male-dominated institutions, with women largely excluded from combat and leadership roles until relatively recently. Gender integration has often been contested and uneven across countries.
Use “navy” neutrally for the institution, but avoid language that assumes all sailors or officers are men. Use gender-neutral role terms (sailor, officer, service member) unless specific genders are relevant and self-identified.
Acknowledge women and gender-diverse naval personnel and leaders whose service has expanded what is possible in military and maritime careers.
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