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Sail: meaning, definitions and examples

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sail

 

[ seɪl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "sail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vela

🇮🇳 पाल

🇩🇪 Segel

🇮🇩 layar

🇺🇦 вітрило

🇵🇱 żagiel

🇯🇵 帆

🇫🇷 voile

🇪🇸 vela

🇹🇷 yelken

🇰🇷 돛

🇸🇦 شراع

🇨🇿 plachta

🇸🇰 plachta

🇨🇳 帆

🇸🇮 jadro

🇮🇸 segl

🇰🇿 желкен

🇬🇪 იალქანი

🇦🇿 yelkən

🇲🇽 vela

Etymology

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.