Navigation is the science and skill of figuring out where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. When a ship's captain navigates across the ocean, she uses maps, instruments, and knowledge of currents and stars to reach her destination safely. When you navigate through a new city, you might use street signs, a map, or GPS to find your way.

For thousands of years, people have developed increasingly sophisticated ways to navigate. Ancient sailors used the positions of stars and the sun to guide their ships. Later navigators invented tools like the compass and the sextant to measure their position. Today, GPS satellites orbiting Earth can tell you your location within a few feet.

The word also describes working your way through complicated situations. A student might navigate a difficult friendship problem, finding the right words to resolve a conflict. When someone says “That's tricky to navigate,” they mean figuring out the right path forward requires careful thought and attention. A good navigator, whether crossing an ocean or handling a challenging situation, stays alert, thinks ahead, and adjusts course when needed.