sail

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a short journey or trip in a boat.

n. an excursion or voyage in a sailing vessel or ship.

“We went for a quiet sail around the bay on Sunday afternoon.”

“After a pleasant afternoon sail, the passengers returned to the pier just as the evening fog began to roll in.”

A2 · Elementary

v. to travel on water in a ship or boat.

v. to navigate or travel over water in a vessel, whether propelled by wind, steam, or engine.

“They plan to sail across the Atlantic Ocean next summer.”

“The explorer intended to sail around the southern tip of the continent, despite warnings about the treacherous winter currents.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to start a journey by water at a specific time.

v. to depart from a port or begin a maritime voyage; often used intransitively with a time or destination.

“The cruise ship sails at noon, so we must be on board by ten.”

“The fleet is scheduled to sail for the Mediterranean at daybreak, provided the weather conditions remain favourable for the crossing.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to move quickly and smoothly through the air or through a room.

v. to move in a stately, smooth, or effortless manner through the air or across a surface.

“The eagle sailed through the sky without flapping its wings.”

“She sailed into the ballroom with such confidence that every guest stopped talking to watch her entrance.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. one of the long flat parts of a windmill that the wind turns.

n. the blade or arm of a windmill designed to catch the wind and generate mechanical power.

“The old wooden windmill had four large sails that turned slowly in the breeze.”

“The restoration project focused on replacing the lattice sails to ensure the windmill could once again grind grain using traditional methods.”