noun
navel
NAY-vuhl
Navel (noun) means the small indentation on the belly where the umbilical cord was once attached. Example: “She has a small tattoo just above her navel.”
noun
1
The small indentation on the belly where the umbilical cord was once attached.
"She has a small tattoo just above her navel."
2
A seedless variety of orange with a navel-like formation at its base.
"Navel oranges are easy to peel and very sweet."
How to use navel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe belly button, or the sweet seedless orange named for its navel-like mark.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "naval" (relating to a navy) — they are pronounced almost identically but spelled and mean differently.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
navel orange
navel piercing
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Word forms
- Plural
- navels
- Third person singular
- navels
- Past tense
- naveled, navelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has a small tattoo just above her _____.
Etymology
From Old English nafola, from Proto-Germanic roots meaning "hub" — the same ancient root also produced the word "nave" (a wheel hub).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for navel
See all rhymes for navel →Frequently asked questions
What does “navel” mean?
The word “navel” means the small indentation on the belly where the umbilical cord was once attached. In plain terms, the belly button, or the sweet seedless orange named for its navel-like mark.
How do you pronounce “navel”?
“Navel” is pronounced NAY-vuhl (/ˈneɪvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “navel” in a sentence?
Here is “navel” used in a sentence: “She has a small tattoo just above her navel.”
What is another word for “navel”?
Words with a similar meaning to “navel” include bellybutton, belly button, nave and umbilicus.
What part of speech is “navel”?
“Navel” is a noun.
Where does the word “navel” come from?
The word “navel” comes from Old English. From Old English nafola, from Proto-Germanic roots meaning "hub" — the same ancient root also produced the word "nave" (a wheel hub).
How many meanings does “navel” have?
“Navel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the small indentation on the belly where the umbilical cord was once attached.
