Sail
/seɪl/
Definitions
3 meaningsA fabric sheet used on a boat to catch the wind and move the boat.
/seɪl/
A piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship.
The colorful sail caught the wind and the boat moved swiftly.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big cloth that catches the wind and helps a boat move. It's like a giant kite for the ocean! For example, 'The captain raised the sail, and the boat started moving.'
👶 For kids: A big sheet of cloth on a boat that catches the wind.
More Examples
The ship's sails were damaged in the storm.
How It's Used
"The ship unfurled its sails and headed out to sea."
"The sails billowed in the strong wind."
To travel on water using a ship or boat.
/seɪl/
To travel by boat or ship.
The family sailed across the lake in their small boat.
💡 Simply: Think of going on a boat trip! When you sail, you're traveling on the water. Like, 'We love to sail on weekends.'
👶 For kids: To travel on a boat.
More Examples
They are planning to sail to the Bahamas.
How It's Used
"They plan to sail around the world next year."
"The ship sailed into the harbor at dawn."
To proceed or advance easily or successfully; to move quickly.
/seɪl/
To move smoothly and quickly, often without much effort.
The proposal sailed through the approval process.
💡 Simply: Sometimes 'sail' means things are going well and easy, like when a ship moves smoothly on the water. For example, 'The project sailed through the review process because it was so well-planned.'
👶 For kids: To move easily and fast, like a boat in the wind.
More Examples
Her career is sailing along smoothly.
How It's Used
"The news of the new product sailed around the world."
"The new marketing campaign sailed through the first round of testing."
Idioms & expressions
set sail
To begin a journey by ship; to depart.
"The ship will set sail at noon tomorrow."
under sail
With sails deployed and the ship moving
"The ship was under sail when it encountered the storm."
a smooth sail
An easy and successful journey or undertaking.
"The project was a smooth sail from start to finish."
From Old English *segl* 'sail, ship'. Related to Old Norse *segla* and German *Segel*. The term developed from its association with seafaring and exploration.
Historically, the word 'sail' has been crucial for describing exploration and maritime trade, and it has been recorded in literature from as early as the Old English period, emphasizing sea-faring and adventure.
Memory tip
Think of the big, colorful sheets on a sailboat that catch the wind.
Word Origin
"A sheet of cloth used to catch the wind"