topsail

noun top·sail \ ˈtäp-ˌsāl , -səl \

variants: or less commonly tops'l play \ˈtäp-səl\

|Updated on: 2 Jul 2018

Definition of topsail

1 : the sail next above the lowermost sail on a mast in a square-rigged ship

2 : the sail set above and sometimes on the gaff in a fore-and-aft rigged ship

See topsail defined for kids

Recent Examples of topsail from the Web

But nautical history buffs – and others – can sail on a replica of this 102-foot-long, square-rigged topsail sloop from its home at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven out into Lake Michigan until the end of September.

— brian e. clark, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tall ship Friends Good Will, lighthouses highlight visit to southwest Michigan," 22 June 2018
Most people today associate billowing topsails with pirates.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "Meet the captains sailing tall ships into New Orleans in April," 6 Mar. 2018
Moreland, who has more than 30 years experience sailing topsail schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques, as well as five world voyages under his belt, said the Picton Castle will be hosting a range of school groups on the vessel.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "Meet the captains sailing tall ships into New Orleans in April," 6 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topsail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.