sail

²sail

verb

Definition of SAIL

intransitive verb

1

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>

Examples of SAIL

1. We'll sail along the coast.
2. He sailed around the world on a luxury liner.
3. She sailed the Atlantic coastline.
4. She's sailing a boat in tomorrow's race.
5. The ship was sailed by a crew of 8.
6. I've been sailing since I was a child.
7. a ship that has sailed the seven seas
8. We sat on the shore watching boats sail by.
9. We sail at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
10. They sail for San Francisco next week.

First Known Use of SAIL

before 12th century

Related to SAIL

Synonyms: boat, cruise, ferry, navigate, ship (out), voyage, make sail, take ship

Antonyms: flounder, struggle

Related Words: canoe, kayak, yacht; coast

Near Antonyms: limp, lumber, plod, stumble, trudge; shamble, shuffle; stamp, stomp, stump, tramp; labor, toil

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay