Etymology Map
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Naval

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to a navy

Where does the word "naval" come from? It comes from Latin navalis, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
navalis
Latin · ancient
"of ships"
from 'navis', ship
2
Stage 2 of 2
naval
English · 1590s
"of ships"
'naval' and 'navel' are unrelated
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Read the full story

Naval’s story begins in Latin: navalis meant “of ships.” From 'navis', ship. It reached English by 1590s as naval. 'naval' and 'navel' are unrelated. Today, naval means relating to a navy.