sailing

noun

sail·​ing ˈsā-liŋ How to pronounce sailing (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
American Cruise Lines is doubling its Alaska capacity this year, and MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will launch sailings there in 2026. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025 Seasonal activities range from bear watching to snowmobiling and sailing. Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 30 Jan. 2025 Oceania Cruises operates several oceangoing sailings that include ports of call in India. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2025 And for a hint of adventure, opportunities for scuba diving, paragliding, hiking, and sailing provide the ideal dose of adrenaline. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sailing 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sailing was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sailing

Cite this Entry

“Sailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailing. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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