Sail

Definition

Sail is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a piece of fabric used to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship. As a verb, it means to travel on water using sails or to move smoothly through air or water.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /seɪl/
• Respelling: SAYL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /seɪl/
• Respelling: SAYL

Etymology

The word "sail" originates from Old English "segel," derived from Proto-Germanic "*seglą*" and related to Dutch "zeil" and German "Segel." It has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*sek-," meaning "to cut."

Derivatives

• Sailing (noun/verb form)
• Sailor (noun)
• Unsail (verb)
• Sailable (adjective)
• Resail (verb)

Synonyms

• Navigate
• Voyage
• Glide

Antonyms

• Anchor
• Dock
• None

Usage

The term "sail" is used in nautical and metaphorical contexts. Examples include "The ship raised its sails and departed the harbor" (noun) and "They sailed across the Atlantic in two weeks" (verb).

Related Terms

• Boat: A vessel for traveling on water.
• Ship: A large watercraft for transporting goods or people.
• Nautical: Related to ships, sailors, or navigation.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A piece of fabric for propulsion: Refers to material used to catch the wind and move a vessel.
  • Example: "The crew adjusted the sail to catch more wind."
• A journey by a sailing vessel: Refers to a trip or voyage taken on water using sails.
  • Example: "We went on a weekend sail along the coast."

Verb

• To travel on water using sails: Refers to navigating a vessel by wind power.
  • Example: "They sailed across the lake in the morning."
• To move smoothly through air or water: Refers to gliding or moving effortlessly.
  • Example: "The bird sailed gracefully through the sky."
• To begin a journey: Refers to departing or setting out, often metaphorically.
  • Example: "The ship sailed at dawn."