What does NAVVY mean?

Navvy 1. Parts of Speech

Noun

2. Definitions

A navvy is a laborer who works on the construction of roads, canals, and railways. (UK)

In US English, the term is commonly used to refer to a person who operates heavy machinery, especially in the field of excavation and earthmoving.

3. Pronunciations (US, UK)

US: /ˈnævi/

UK: /ˈnavi/

4. Origin and Usage

The word "navvy" is derived from "navigator" and was initially used to describe the workers who built canals and navigable rivers in the 18th and 19th centuries. It later came to be used more broadly to describe laborers who worked on the construction of roads, railways, and other large-scale infrastructure projects.

In the US, the term "navvy" is less commonly used and is often replaced with terms like "heavy equipment operator" or "construction worker."

5. Synonyms

Construction worker, laborer, road worker, railway worker

6. Related Words

Shovel, digger, crane, truck, loader

7. Example Sentences

• The navvies worked tirelessly to construct the canal, digging through miles of earth and rock.
• After finishing high school, he went to work as a navvy on a construction site.
• The company hired several navvies to operate the heavy machinery needed for the excavation work.