# sail

/ˈseɪɫ/ (US) · /sˈeɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sail
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. fabric on a boat

noun · CEFR A2

a large piece of strong cloth on a boat that uses the wind to make the boat move.

For teachers: a sheet of fabric, such as canvas or nylon, attached to a mast and spars to catch the wind and propel a vessel.

- The sailors raised the main sail as soon as they left the harbour.
- The crew struggled to trim the sails effectively as the wind shifted suddenly during the final leg of the regatta.

### 2. a trip on a boat

noun · CEFR B1

a short journey or trip in a boat.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to travel by boat

verb · CEFR A2

to travel on water in a ship or boat.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to begin a journey

verb · CEFR B1

to start a journey by water at a specific time.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to move smoothly

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 6. windmill blade

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The sailors raised the white sail as the wind picked up.
- We spent the afternoon repairing a small tear in the main sail before heading out to sea.
- The sudden shift in wind direction caused the sail to flap violently against the mast, forcing the crew to adjust the rigging immediately to maintain their course.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.