sail

/seɪl/
noun
  1. A large piece of fabric attached to a boat or ship that catches the wind to move it across water.
    • They repaired the torn sail before the next voyage.
    • The captain ordered the crew to raise the sail.
    • A strong wind filled the sail and pushed the boat forward.
  2. A trip or journey in a boat or ship, especially one using sails.
    • We went for a sail around the harbor on Sunday.
    • The afternoon sail was calm and relaxing.
    • They planned a short sail to the nearby island.
  3. Something that resembles a sail in shape or function, such as the arm of a windmill or a part of a submarine.
    • The submarine's sail rose above the water's surface.
    • The windmill's sail turned slowly in the breeze.
    • The kite had a colorful sail that caught the wind.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To travel on water in a boat or ship, especially one with sails.
    • The ship sailed from New York to London in five days.
    • We learned how to sail on a small lake near our house.
    • They plan to sail across the Atlantic Ocean next summer.
  2. To control or steer a boat or ship that uses sails.
    • My grandfather taught me how to sail a sloop.
    • It takes practice to sail a boat in strong winds.
    • She sailed the yacht skillfully through the narrow channel.
  3. To move smoothly and quickly, like a ship moving with the wind.
    • She sailed down the hallway, ignoring everyone around her.
    • The eagle sailed through the sky without flapping its wings.
    • The ball sailed over the fence and into the neighbor's yard.
  4. To start a journey by water; to leave a port.
    • The cruise ship sails at noon tomorrow.
    • The fleet sailed at dawn to catch the tide.
    • We sail for Bermuda in the morning.
What does "sail" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean