What does mainsail mean?
A mainsail is the principal sail on a ship's mainmast and is often the largest and most visually prominent sail on a traditional sailing vessel. Its exact shape and position vary with the vessel's rig: on square-rigged ships it may be identified with the main course, while fore-and-aft-rigged vessels commonly carry a large triangular or gaff mainsail. The word is used in maritime discussion, sailing instructions, nautical literature, and descriptions of ships and boats. Expressions such as setting, reefing, raising, and taking in the mainsail refer to the practical handling of this important sail. Mainsail also carries a broad literary and visual association with classic seafaring, open water, and traditional tall ships, even when it is used metaphorically or in a historical setting. The compound form combines main, meaning principal or chief, with sail, making the word's function immediately understandable.
nounThe principal sail of a ship, especially the sail set on the mainmast. On a sailing vessel, it is usually the largest and most prominent sail.
- The principal or largest sail of a ship, particularly the sail carried on the mainmast.
"The crew adjusted the mainsail as the boat turned into the wind."
"The mainsail snapped loudly as the gust struck the harbor."
"In the painting, a lone sailor climbs the rigging to repair the mainsail."
The standard plural refers to multiple principal sails, whether on different vessels or, in technical descriptions, to multiple sail elements serving the same purpose.
"Several tall ships displayed their mainsails in the harbor."
Mainsail is the great sail that gives a traditional sailing vessel its unmistakable silhouette.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mainsail come from?
Mainsail is an English compound formed from main and sail. Main comes from Old English mægen, meaning power or strength, and is related cognately to words such as might; sail comes from Old English segel and is the source of related forms such as sailor. The compound developed within the English nautical vocabulary as the conventional name for the principal sail carried on a ship's mainmast.
How mainsail is actually used
Mainsail is primarily nautical terminology. In ordinary sailing and boating contexts, it is the standard name for the principal sail on the mainmast.