verb (used with object), nav·i·gat·ed, nav·i·gat·ing.
- to move on, over, or through (water, air, or land) in a ship or aircraft: to navigate a river.
- to direct or manage (a ship, aircraft, or guided missile) on its course.
- to ascertain or plot and control the course or position of (a ship, aircraft, etc.).
- to pass over (the sea or other body of water), as a ship does.
- to walk or find one’s way on, in, or across: It was difficult to navigate the stairs in the dark.
- to move or progress through in a logical sequence: Headings and subheadings make it easier to navigate a long article.
- Computers. to move from one part to another of (a website, document, etc.), especially by using the links: Their site is uncluttered and easy to navigate.
verb (used without object), nav·i·gat·ed, nav·i·gat·ing.
- to direct or manage a ship, aircraft, or guided missile on its course.
- to pass over the water, as a ship does.
- to walk or find one’s way.
- to travel by ship or boat; sail.
- to move or progress through something in a logical sequence: We’re navigating through a maze of environmental legislation.
- Computers. to move from one part to another of a website, document, etc.
verb
- to plan, direct, or plot the path or position of (a ship, an aircraft, etc)
- (tr) to travel over, through, or on (water, air, or land) in a boat, aircraft, etc
- informal to direct (oneself, one’s way, etc) carefully or safelyhe navigated his way to the bar
- (intr) (of a passenger in a motor vehicle) to give directions to the driver; point out the route
- (intr) rare to voyage in a ship; sail
v.1580s, a back-formation from navigation, or else from Latin navigatus, past participle of navigare. Extended to balloons (1784) and later to aircraft (1901). Related: Navigated; navigating.