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Sail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sail

[seɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a boat

A piece of fabric attached to a mast or spar and spread by the wind in order to propel a boat or ship.

Synonyms

canvas, cloth, sheet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sail

Typically used to refer to large pieces of fabric used for catching the wind on a boat or ship. It can also mean the act of traveling on water using such equipment.

  • They hoisted the sail and set off on their adventure.
  • We will sail to the island by morning.
canvas

Refers to a strong, durable cloth used mainly for tents, backpacks, and painting surfaces. It is less commonly used to describe the fabric of a sail.

  • The artist chose a large canvas for her new painting.
  • They pitched a canvas tent in the middle of the forest.
sheet

Commonly used to describe large, flat pieces of fabric, paper, or other material. It is often used for bed linen, but can also refer to large pieces of paper or metal.

  • She pulled the sheet over herself and went to sleep.
  • They needed a large sheet of paper for their project.
cloth

A generic term for woven or felted fabric, typically used for clothing and other everyday items. It does not usually imply the specialized use of canvas or sail.

  • His shirt was made of soft, fine cloth.
  • She used a piece of cloth to clean the table.

Examples of usage

  • The sail billowed in the wind.
  • The sailors raised the sail to catch the breeze.
  • The sail flapped noisily as the wind picked up.
Context #2 | Verb

on a boat

To move across the water in a boat propelled by wind or oars.

Synonyms

cruise, navigate, pilot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sail

Also listed again, it emphasizes the leisure or sport activity of traveling by boat using sails.

  • We love to sail on the weekends.
  • They sailed their new yacht off the coast.
cruise

Typically refers to traveling on a large ship for leisure, often with multiple stops at different ports.

  • My parents went on a Caribbean cruise for their anniversary.
  • We took a Mediterranean cruise last year and visited several countries.
navigate

Refers to the act of planning and directing the course of a vehicle, often used for ships, planes, and sometimes cars.

  • The captain needed to navigate through the storm carefully.
  • She learned how to navigate using a compass and map.
pilot

Generally used to describe being in control of and operating a vehicle, especially an aircraft or ship. Can also be used metaphorically.

  • He was chosen to pilot the new model of the aircraft.
  • She piloted the ship safely into the harbor.

Examples of usage

  • They sailed across the bay.
  • We will sail to the island tomorrow.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Ancient Egyptians used sails on their wooden boats to navigate the Nile River as early as 4000 BC.
  • In the Age of Exploration, sails enabled explorers like Columbus and Magellan to traverse vast oceans in search of new lands.
  • The transition from sail to steam-powered ships in the 19th century marked a significant shift in maritime history, impacting trade routes and naval warfare.

Cultural Significance

  • Sailing has become a popular pastime and sport, celebrated with events like the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race.
  • Many cultures have created myths and legends around sailing, often portraying it as a journey of adventure and discovery.
  • Traditional sailing techniques and ships, such as dhows and junks, are still used in various cultures worldwide, preserving rich maritime heritage.

Science

  • The physics of sailing involves understanding lift and drag, similar to how an airplane wing works, allowing boats to move efficiently.
  • Sails can be designed in various shapes, each affecting how wind flows over them, which can increase speed and maneuverability.
  • Modern sailing often incorporates technology like GPS and weather forecasting, enhancing safety and performance on the water.

Literature

  • Sailing is often a metaphor in literature, representing freedom, adventure, and the journey of life, commonly seen in works like 'Moby Dick.'
  • Famous lines about sailing, such as 'All we need is a sail and a dawn,' evoke the sense of adventure and the unknown.
  • Poets like John Keats have used the imagery of sailing to explore themes of nature and human experience.

Origin of 'sail'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sail' comes from the Old English word 'sægl,' which means a sail or a piece of cloth.
  • Related words in different languages often share a similar root, like the Latin 'vela' and the Old Norse 'segl.'
  • Sailing as a means of travel has been around for thousands of years, making boats essential for trade and exploration.

The word 'sail' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'segel'. The concept of using sails for propulsion dates back thousands of years, with evidence of their use found in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Sails revolutionized maritime travel and trade, allowing ships to travel faster and farther than before.

See also: sailing, sailor, sailplane.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,369 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.