n.
- a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship.
▸a wind-catching apparatus attached to the arm of a windmill.
▸the broad fin on the back of a sailfish or of some prehistoric reptiles.
▸a structure by which an animal is propelled across the surface of water by the wind, e.g. the float of a Portuguese man-of-war.
- a voyage or excursion in a sailing boat or ship.
v.
- travel in a sailing boat as a sport or for recreation.
▸travel in a ship or boat using sails or engine power.
▸begin a voyage; leave a harbour.
▸travel by ship on or across (a sea) or on (a route).
▸navigate or control (a boat or ship).
- move smoothly and rapidly or in a stately or confident manner.
▸
(sail through)
informal succeed easily at (something, especially a test or examination).
▸
(sail into)
informal attack physically or verbally.
Phrase
- in
(or under)
full sail
with all the sails in position or fully spread. - sail close to
(or near)
the wind
see wind1. - under sail
with the sails hoisted.
Derivative
- sailable adj.
- -sailed adj.
- sailing n.
Etymology
OE segel (n.), seglian (v.), of Gmc origin.