1
: a depression in the middle of the abdomen that marks the point of former attachment of the umbilical cord or yolk stalk
2
: the central point : middle
In Delphi's golden age, when the ancients held it to be the navel of the world—
Henry Kamm
Henry KammSynonyms
Examples of navel in a Sentence
a city that likes to regard itself as the nation's navel of art and culture
Recent Examples on the Web
Placing one hand on your tummy (ensuring your fingers are on your midline at your navel), gently press down with your fingertips.
—Alesandra Dubin, Parents, 27 Feb. 2024
But be warned of the pain that comes with a navel piercing before making any rash decisions!
—Irene Kim, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for navel 
Alesandra Dubin, Parents, 27 Feb. 2024
But be warned of the pain that comes with a navel piercing before making any rash decisions!
—Irene Kim, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for navel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'navel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near navel
Cite this Entry
“Navel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navel. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
navel
noun
na·vel
ˈnā-vəl 
: a hollowed out place on the outside wall of the middle of the abdomen marking the point of attachment of the umbilical cord
Medical Definition
navel
noun
na·vel
ˈnā-vəl
: a depression in the middle of the abdomen that marks the point of former attachment of the umbilical cord to the embryo
called also umbilicus
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