navigational

Etymology

It is formed from English navigation + -al.^[1][2] Navigation is from French navigation or directly from Latin nāvigātiō (“a sailing, voyage”), from nāvigō (“to sail, steer a ship”), formed from nāvis (“ship”) and agō (“to set in motion, drive”).^[2] These go back to Proto-Indo-European *nau- (“boat”) and *ag- (“to drive”).^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Of or relating to navigation: 1858, in the Conservator of Menasha, Wisconsin.^[1] Etymonline dates it to 1862.^[2]

Semantic evolution

The adjective has kept its single sense, relating to or used in navigation;^[1][3] Merriam-Webster also lists the adverb navigationally.^[3]

Timeline

• 1858 – of or relating to navigation.^[1] Etymonline dates it to 1862.^[2]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Of, relating to, or used in navigation: The pilot checked the navigational instruments before take-off.^[3][1][2]

Word family

• navaid
• navigationally

Related words

• navigation
• navigate
• navigator
• naval
• navy

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster