sailboat

noun

sail·​boat ˈsāl-ˌbōt 

: a boat usually propelled by sail

sailboater

ˈsāl-ˌbō-tər 

noun

sailboating

ˈsāl-ˌbō-tiŋ 

noun

Synonyms of sailboat

• yacht
• ship
• schooner
• sloop
• dinghy
• frigate

Examples of sailboat in a Sentence

we were stuck in the sailboat for an hour until the wind came up and we could move again

Recent Examples on the Web

Guests can jump into the sea directly from the back of the ship or enjoy the ship’s compliment of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats, foam floats, and water trampoline. — Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

After moving to New York after college in 2009, Ian started looking for a creative way to avoid paying rent, and landed on the idea of living aboard a sailboat. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Les Sables is also the center for a major sailboat race, Vendée Globe, a solo around-the-world yacht competition, which starts and finishes in the town. — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

After spending most of his career working hard in a sport that barely registers any level of attention in the wider world, Ainslie welcomes the brighter — but also harsher — spotlight that this seven-year-old league is shining on sailboat racing. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sailboat

• afloat
• azote
• banknote
• bareboat
• benzoate
• connote
• cutthroat
• demote
• denote
• devote
• endnote
• footnote

Kids Definition

sailboat

noun

sail·​boat ˈsā(ə)l-ˌbōt 

: a boat equipped with sails