Dictionary
1sail
noun \ˈsāl, as last element in compounds often səl\
: a large piece of strong cloth that is connected to a ship or boat and that is used to catch the wind that moves the ship or boat through the water
: a trip in a ship or boat
Full Definition of SAIL
1
a (1) : an extent of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind is used to propel a ship through water (2) : the sails of a ship b plural usually sail : a ship equipped with sails
2
: an extent of fabric used in propelling a wind-driven vehicle (as an iceboat)
3
: something that resembles a sail; especially : a streamlined conning tower on a submarine
4
— sailed \ˈsāld\ adjective
— under sail
: in motion with sails set
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Illustration of SAIL
Origin of SAIL
Middle English, from Old English segl; akin to Old High German segal sail
First Known Use: before 12th century
Rhymes with SAIL
2sail
verb
: to travel on water in a ship or boat
: to control a ship or boat (especially one that has sails) while traveling on water
of a ship or boat : to travel on water
Full Definition of SAIL
intransitive verb1
a : to travel on water in a ship b : yacht
2
a : to travel on water by the action of wind upon sails or by other means b : to move or proceed easily, gracefully, nonchalantly, or without resistance <sails through all sorts of contradictions — Vicki Hearne> <the bill sailed through the legislature> c : to move through the air <the ball sailed over his head>
3
: to begin a water voyage <sail with the tide>
transitive verb
1
a : to travel on (water) by means of motive power (as sail) b : to glide through
2
: to direct or manage the motion of (as a ship)
— sail·able \ˈsā-lə-bəl\ adjective
— sail into
: to attack vigorously or sharply <sailed into me for being late>
See sail defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SAIL
before 12th century
Related to SAIL
SAIL Defined for Kids
1sail
noun \ˈsāl\
Definition of SAIL for Kids
1
: a sheet of strong cloth (as canvas) used to catch enough wind to move boats through the water or over ice
2
: the sails of a ship <They lowered sail as they approached the bay.>
3
: a trip in a ship or boat moved especially by the wind <We went for a sail on the lake.>
2sail
verb
sailedsail·ing
Definition of SAIL for Kids
1
: to travel on a boat moved especially by the wind <He sailed around the world.>
2
: to travel on or by water <Boats sailed by.>
3
: to control the motion of (a ship or boat) while traveling on water
4
: to move or proceed in a quick and smooth way <The ball sailed over my head.>
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