sailing

noun

sail·​ing ˈsā-liŋ 

1

a

: the technical skill of managing a ship : navigation

b

: the method of determining the course to be followed to reach a given point

2

a

: the sport of handling or riding in a sailboat

b

: a departure from a port

Examples of sailing in a Sentence

They're going sailing next week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Virgin Voyages Deals on select itineraries The cruise line is offering 80% off the second guest; up to $400 in free drinks; $300 in onboard credit on select itineraries; includes sailings to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and the carrier’s Eclipse Voyages later this summer. —Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

From northern lights sailings to midnight sun itineraries, voyages above the Arctic Circle have grown in popularity. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Amangati’s first voyage kicks off on May 7, 2027 with a six-night sailing to seven ports. —Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026

Many are water sports, including coastal rowing, open-water swimming, beach volleyball, sailing, artistic swimming and water polo. —Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sailing

• clear sailing
• plain sailing
• sailing ship
• smooth sailing

Rhymes for sailing

• ailing
• bailing
• baling
• failing
• flailing
• grayling
• hailing
• jailing
• mailing
• nailing
• paling
• railing