VocabDictionary

navel

/ˈneɪ.vəl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A small, often depressed mark on the abdomen of a mammal, marking the site where the umbilical cord was attached during fetal development.

Example Sentences:
  • She wore a cropped top that exposed her navel.
  • The doctor checked the newborn's navel to ensure it was healing properly.
2.noun

A central point or hub of something, often used metaphorically to describe the middle of a place or organization.

Example Sentences:
  • The city square was considered the navel of the entire region.
  • He viewed his small hometown as the navel of the universe.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “navel”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'nafela', which stems from the Proto-Germanic '*nabalōn'. It is cognate with the Dutch 'navel' and German 'Nabel', and shares a distant Indo-European root with the Sanskrit 'nābhi' (navel, hub) and the Latin 'umbilicus', all relating to the concept of a central point or connection.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of the navel as the 'NA-VEL' (Nature's Valve) that connected you to your mother before birth.

Frequently Asked Questions About “navel

1. What is the meaning of “navel” in English?

In English, navel (noun) is defined as: “A small, often depressed mark on the abdomen of a mammal, marking the site where the umbilical cord was attached during fetal development.”.

2. How do you use “navel” in a sentence?

She wore a cropped top that exposed her navel.

3. What are English synonyms of “navel”?

Common synonyms include:umbilicus,belly button,omphalos,midriff

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “navel”?

Derived from the Old English 'nafela', which stems from the Proto-Germanic '*nabalōn'. It is cognate with the Dutch 'navel' and German 'Nabel', and shares a distant Indo-European root with the Sanskrit 'nābhi' (navel, hub) and the Latin 'umbilicus', all relating to the concept of a central point or connection.