Definitions for sail

• Definition
• Anagrams (41)

sail sail

Spelling: [seyl]

IPA: /seɪl/

Sail is a 4 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 4 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 5 points.

You can make 41 anagrams from letters in sail (ails).

Definitions for sail

noun

1. an area of canvas or other fabric extended to the wind in such a way as to transmit the force of the wind to an assemblage of spars and rigging mounted firmly on a hull, raft, iceboat, etc., so as to drive it along.
2. some similar piece or apparatus, as the part of an arm that catches the wind on a windmill.
3. a voyage or excursion, especially in a sailing vessel:
4. a sailing vessel or ship.
5. sailing vessels collectively:
6. sails for a vessel or vessels collectively.
7. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. the constellation Vela.

Idioms

1. in sail, with the sails set.
2. make sail, Nautical. to set the sail or sails of a boat or increase the amount of sail already set. to set out on a voyage:
3. set sail, to start a sea voyage:
4. trim one's sails, Informal. to cut expenses; economize:
5. under sail, with sails set; in motion; sailing:

Verb phrases

1. sail in/into, Informal. to go vigorously into action; begin to act; attack. to attack verbally:

verb (used with object)

1. to sail upon, over, or through:
2. to navigate (a vessel).

verb (used without object)

1. to move along or travel over water:
2. to manage a sailboat, especially for sport.
3. to begin a journey by water:
4. to move along in a manner suggestive of a sailing vessel:
5. to move along in a stately, effortless way:

Origin of sail

before 900; (noun) Middle English sail(e), seille, Old English segl; cognate with German Segel, Old Norse segl; (v.) Middle English seillen, saylen, Old English siglan, seglian; cognate with

Examples for sail

They get $8 million to dredge the channel for pleasure boats to sail to Catalina Island.

We had a ship, a brig, and twelve schooners, fourteen sail in all.

He wanted to sail around the Sea of Cortez; he had this weird little boat that in no way was ready nor was he a sailor.

Anytime we have to put up the sail or tack or do any maneuvering, it requires all hands on deck.

At best, they would be processed and free to return home to sail again.

He didn't go on board till the morning on which the ship was to sail.

A five, a four and the main,' shouted the big man, with a voice like the flap of a sail.

We set it, double-reefed, which made it but a rag of a sail, and yet the ship felt it directly.

The turbulent waters caused one of his oars to crack, which—without a motor or a sail—can be severely detrimental to his voyage.

A little later the larboard fore-sheet went, and the sail was split.