Word
sailed
US/ˈseɪɫd/
UK/sˈeɪld/
Definitions
01travelled by boat
v. moved across water in a boat or ship.
v. travelled across a body of water using wind power or an engine.
“We sailed across the lake in a small wooden boat last summer.”
“The explorers sailed around the southern tip of the continent, battling fierce winds and unpredictable currents for several weeks.”
Usage
Often used with prepositions like 'across', 'around', or 'to'.
02moved smoothly
v. moved quickly and easily through a place.
v. moved in a smooth, effortless, or confident manner.
“She sailed into the room and started talking to everyone immediately.”
“Despite the difficult questions from the board, the candidate sailed through the interview with remarkable composure.”
Usage
Frequently used in the phrasal verb 'sail through' to mean succeeding easily.
03having sails
adj. describes a boat that has a specific type or number of sails.
adj. equipped with sails; often used in combination to specify the rigging type.
“The old three-sailed ship sat quietly in the harbour.”
“The museum features a collection of square-sailed vessels that were once the backbone of the regional merchant fleet.”
Technical
Teaching tip
This adjective use is rare in modern conversation and is mostly found in technical maritime descriptions or historical literature.
Synonyms