sailing

noun

sail·​ing ˈsā-liŋ How to pronounce sailing (audio)
Synonyms of sailingnext
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.
In wintertime, ice fishing, skating, ice sailing and snowshoeing are all common sights. Berly McCoy, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026 The cruise line’s incredible sailing yachts are known for the small number of guests, ranging from about 150 to about 350. Megan Dubois, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026 On our April Mediterranean sailing—he ship’s third since its maiden voyage—the manifest ran the gamut. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026 The 636-mile ocean sailing race will start in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 19, with the prize-giving ceremony taking place in Bermuda on June 27. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailing. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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