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

The combination cargo and cruise ship Aranui V is a frequent visitor on its sailings from Tahiti, while the luxurious Paul Gauguin also periodically visits from Tahiti. — Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

When sailings move to the Caribbean this fall, guests can expect more tropical flavors and cooking techniques popular in that part of the world. — Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026

The news comes after low water levels in the region amid heatwaves and drought have impacted other sailings. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 July 2026

The friendliness of the crew was among the top highlights of the entire sailing experience on Beyond. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 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