Sailing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sailing

 

[ ˈseɪlɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

on the sea

The sport or activity of moving a boat across water using the power of the wind.

Synonyms

boating, cruising, yachting.

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Word Description / Examples
sailing

Used when traveling over water using sails and wind power, commonly associated with the sport or hobby.

  • We're going sailing on the lake this weekend
  • She loves sailing and spends most of her summer vacation on her sailboat
boating

Refers to the general act of traveling on water in any kind of boat, including motorboats, rowboats, and sailboats. Suitable for various recreational activities on the water.

  • Our family enjoys boating every summer
  • Boating on the river is a popular activity here
yachting

Specifically involves traveling or participating in sport or leisure activities on a yacht, often associated with luxury and affluence.

  • He spent the afternoon yachting with his friends
  • Yachting competitions are very popular in coastal communities
cruising

Usually means traveling at a steady speed for leisure on larger boats or ships, often over longer distances. It can also refer to taking a vacation on a cruise ship.

  • They went cruising around the Caribbean for their honeymoon
  • I dream of cruising the Mediterranean on a luxury liner

Examples of usage

  • Sailing requires skill and experience.
  • She enjoys the freedom of sailing on the open sea.
Context #2 | Noun

recreational activity

The act of traveling in a sailboat or ship for pleasure.

Synonyms

boating, cruising, yachting.

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Word Description / Examples
sailing

Refers to the act of traveling on water, specifically using a sailboat. It emphasizes the use of sails as the primary means of propulsion.

  • We spent the afternoon sailing around the lake
  • Sailing can be a peaceful and relaxing hobby
cruising

Typically refers to taking a relaxed and leisurely journey, often on a larger boat or yacht. It can also refer to long-distance water travel for pleasure.

  • They spent their vacation cruising the Caribbean
  • Cruising down the river gave us a beautiful view of the city
yachting

Specifically involves using yachts, which are usually luxurious and equipped for long-distance travel or recreation. Often associated with affluence and leisure activities.

  • They go yachting every summer along the Mediterranean coast
  • Yachting events often attract wealthy participants
boating

A broad term that encapsulates any activity of traveling on water using any type of boat, including motorboats, kayaks, and sailboats.

  • They enjoy boating on weekends
  • Boating can range from fishing trips to adrenaline-pumping speedboat rides

Examples of usage

  • They spent the weekend sailing along the coast.
  • We planned a sailing trip for our summer vacation.
Context #3 | Verb

movement on water

To travel in a boat with sails.

Synonyms

cruising, navigating, voyaging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sailing

This word is often used for traveling on water using sails, typically on a boat or ship. It's used both for recreational and competitive contexts.

  • We spent the weekend sailing on the lake
  • He joined the sailing team at college
cruising

This word is commonly used for traveling at a leisurely speed by boat or ship. It's often associated with holiday trips and luxurious experiences.

  • They are cruising through the Caribbean on a luxury liner
  • We spent our vacation cruising the Mediterranean
navigating

This word implies the act of planning and directing the route of a vessel or other form of transportation. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense.

  • He was navigating the ship through the treacherous waters
  • She has been navigating the complexities of her new job quite well
voyaging

This word is used for long and often adventurous journeys by sea. It carries a sense of exploration and discovery.

  • The explorers were voyaging to uncharted islands
  • They went voyaging around the world on their yacht

Examples of usage

  • We will be sailing to the Caribbean next month.
  • They were sailing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Translations

Translations of the word "sailing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vela

🇮🇳 पाल नौकायन

🇩🇪 Segeln

🇮🇩 berlayar

🇺🇦 вітрильний спорт

🇵🇱 żeglarstwo

🇯🇵 セーリング

🇫🇷 voile

🇪🇸 navegación a vela

🇹🇷 yelken

🇰🇷 요트 타기

🇸🇦 الإبحار

🇨🇿 plachtění

🇸🇰 plachtenie

🇨🇳 帆船运动

🇸🇮 jadranje

🇮🇸 sigling

🇰🇿 желкенді спорт

🇬🇪 გემით ცურვა

🇦🇿 yelkənli idman

🇲🇽 navegación a vela

Etymology

The word 'sailing' originates from the Old English word 'seglian' which means 'to set sail'. Sailing has a long history dating back thousands of years, starting with the use of simple boats and evolving into the complex sailing vessels we see today. It has played a crucial role in exploration, trade, and leisure activities throughout history.

See also: sail, sailor, sailplane.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,451 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.