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

Beyond sailing, guests can enjoy official regatta events in the race village, including the legendary crew party. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026

According to data from container shipping research firm Linerlytica, the number of container ship transits on the Northern Sea Route is set to reach a new record with over 25 sailings planned this year. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Everyday, all the sailing teams meet there to have a drink after the course. — Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

For some passengers, the reason to choose this sailing was exactly that. — Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 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