celestial navigation

noun

: navigation by observation of the positions of celestial bodies

Examples of celestial navigation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Earhart had never bothered to master Morse code, and Noonan relied heavily on celestial navigation. Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 Therefore, celestial navigation requires knowledge of the currents’ presence, speed, strength and direction, as well as being able to judge winds’ strength, direction and effect on the canoe. The Conversation, 14 May 2025 Looking to the stars Most Pacific voyagers rely on celestial navigation. The Conversation, 14 May 2025 Urania Urania is the Muse of astronomy and celestial navigation. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for celestial navigation

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celestial navigation was in 1922

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Cite this Entry

“Celestial navigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20navigation. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

celestial navigation

noun
: navigation by observation of the positions of heavenly bodies

More from Merriam-Webster on celestial navigation

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