sail
sail Lexical Profile
sail Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A piece of material, usually canvas, extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship.
"The crew hoisted the main sail as the wind began to pick up over the harbor."
A voyage or excursion in a vessel, especially a sailing ship.
"We went for a short sail around the bay before sunset."
One of the wind-catching arms or boards attached to the rotor of a windmill.
"The wooden sail of the old Dutch windmill creaked as it turned steadily in the breeze."
• verb
To travel on water in a ship or boat.
"They plan to sail across the Atlantic Ocean next summer."
To direct or manage a ship or boat on its course.
"It took him years to learn how to sail a yacht safely in rough waters."
To move smoothly, rapidly, or effortlessly.
"She sailed through the exam with top marks, having studied thoroughly for weeks."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'sail' is a homophone of 'sale' (the exchange of a commodity for money), which occasionally causes spelling confusion.
• Rhymes for sail
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'segl' (noun) and 'seglian' (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zeil' and German 'Segel'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.