Sail Meaning and Definition
Sail
Pronunciation
/seɪl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sail is a piece of fabric attached to the hull of a ship, used to harness the wind to propel the vessel.
Examples
- The sailor adjusted the sail to catch the wind.
- The sailboat glided across the lake, its sails flapping gently in the breeze.
Synonyms
- Sailcloth
- Fabric
Antonyms
- Motor
- Engine
Etymology
The word “sail” comes from Old English “sægl”, which is derived from Proto-Germanic “*segilaz”, related to Proto-Indo-European “*segh-“
Usage Notes
In nautical contexts, the word “sail” is often used to refer to the fabric itself, while in figurative expressions, it can also mean to succeed or prosper.
Cultural References
In James Joyce’s novel “Finnegans Wake”, the character of the sailor is often referred to as “Sail”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Flying by the seat of one’s pants
- At sea without a sail
Related Words or Phrases
- Rigging
- Keel
Collocations
- Sail the seven seas
- Sail close to the wind
Frequency of Use
Sail is a relatively common term in nautical contexts and has a moderate frequency of use in modern language.
Common Misspellings
- Seale
- Sille