Sailing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sailing

[ˈseɪlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The earliest sailing vessels date back around 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, where they were used for trade and fishing on the Nile River.
In the Middle Ages, sailing expanded greatly in Europe, leading to the Age of Exploration when explorers found new lands.
The invention of the compass in the 11th century revolutionized sailing, allowing navigators to travel further and more accurately.

Science

Sailing relies heavily on understanding wind dynamics; sails are designed to harness wind energy for propulsion.
The physics of sailing involves lift and drag: sails generate lift from the wind, similar to airplane wings.
Different sail shapes can affect speed and maneuverability; for example, a taller sail can catch more wind for faster speeds.

Cultural Significance

Sailing symbolizes adventure and freedom in many cultures, representing the human spirit's quest to explore and overcome challenges.
In literature, sailing often serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, with calm seas representing peace and storms representing struggles.
Sailing traditions vary globally, with distinct techniques and styles that reflect local cultures, such as the Polynesian outrigger canoes.

Pop Culture

Sailing is a popular theme in film and music, from classic adventure movies like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' to songs like 'Sailing' by Rod Stewart.
Competitive sailing events, like the America’s Cup, draw massive audiences and have inspired many to take up the sport.
Famous fictional characters like Captain Ahab from 'Moby Dick' and the crew of the Pequod showcase the allure and dangers of life at sea.

Psychology

Many people find sailing therapeutic; being on the water can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
The skill and teamwork required in sailing can enhance collaboration and problem-solving abilities, both on and off the water.
Studies indicate that engaging in sailing or similar activities can boost confidence and self-efficacy through learning new skills.

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

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.

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6448 passions
6449 duplicate
6450 rim
6451 sailing
6452 triangle
6453 possessing
6454 dramatically
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