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Definition of navel

navel

/ˈneɪ.vəl/
na · vel
Plural:navels
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navel Lexical Profile

navel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rounded knotty depression in the center of a person's belly caused by the detachment of the umbilical cord after birth.

Example

"The newborn's navel healed quickly within the first two weeks after delivery."

2

A sweet, seedless variety of orange characterized by a small secondary fruit embedded at the blossom end that resembles a human belly button.

Example

"She peeled a fresh navel to pack in her lunchbox."

3

The central point or hub of a place or region.

Example

"Ancient Greeks regarded the sanctuary at Delphi as the navel of the world."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for navel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for navel

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'navel' (the belly button) with 'naval' (an adjective relating to a navy or warships).

• Rhymes for navel

• Nearby Words

nauyaca falls
naval
nave
navel
navigable
navigate
navigation

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'nafela', a diminutive of 'nafu' (the hub of a wheel), ultimately tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root shared with Latin 'umbilicus' and Sanskrit 'nabhila'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Navel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/navel
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