Main Entry: ¹sail

Pronunciation: \ˈsāl, as last element in compounds often səl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English segl; akin to Old High German segal sail

Date: before 12th century

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 : a passage by a sailing craft : cruise

— sailed \ˈsāld\ adjective

— under sail : in motion with sails set

[sail illustration]