Sound-alike words
Naval vs. Navel
Naval is an adjective meaning related to a navy or its ships. Navel is a noun for the belly button. A naval officer serves at sea; a navel orange has a small bump like a belly button.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| naval | adjective | relating to a navy, its ships or the people who serve in it |
| navel | noun | the small hollow in the middle of the stomach; the belly button |
Naval
adjective: relating to a navy, its ships or the people who serve in it
- Her grandfather studied at a naval academy in Maryland.
- The museum has a large collection of naval maps and models.
Navel
noun: the small hollow in the middle of the stomach; the belly button
- The baby giggled when her dad tickled her navel.
- Navel oranges have a small second fruit growing at one end.
How to remember the difference
Naval goes with navy: both start with N-A-V. Navel is on your belly, and both words have an E.
Good to know
The navel orange gets its name from the bump at one end that looks like a belly button. To gaze at your navel means to think too much about yourself.
Spot the mistake
The
navelnaval base is open to visitors on Saturdays.Correct: The naval base is open to visitors on Saturdays.
Pack a few
navalnavel oranges for the road trip.Correct: Pack a few navel oranges for the road trip.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. The ship docked in the harbor for repairs.
Answer: naval. The ship belongs to a navy, so the adjective naval fits.
2. Lie on your back and place your hand just below your .
Answer: navel. This is the belly button, so the noun navel fits.