What does sail mean?
Sail is a familiar word with both a literal and figurative range of meanings. As a noun, it refers to the fabric or other material fixed to a boat to catch the wind, and by extension it can mean a sailing vessel or the act or means of travelling by water. As a verb, sailing means travelling across a body of water in a boat, though modern sailors may also use it for powered craft. The phrase 'set sail' means to begin a journey, especially a voyage. Figuratively, someone can sail through a difficult task or sail into a room, meanings that suggest ease, confidence, or dramatic arrival. Although technology has reduced the practical importance of sails, the word remains central to maritime vocabulary and has a vivid figurative life of its own.
A sheet of strong fabric or similar material attached to a boat's mast or boom to catch the wind and help propel it.
"The crew repaired the torn sail before the storm reached them."
In the singular, sail can also refer collectively to the sails of a vessel or, more broadly, to a boat or ship considered as a means of travel.
To travel across water in a boat, especially using sails; to begin a journey by ship; or, figuratively, to move smoothly or confidently.
"They sailed across the bay as the sun set behind the hills."
The literal sense is standard and international. Figurative expressions such as 'sail through' and 'sail into' are common in informal and semi-formal English.
The usual plural form for both the pieces of equipment and the sails of a vessel.
"The ship's white sails caught the strong afternoon wind."
Before engines, a sail turned wind into travel: the oldest sailing technology is still carrying boats across the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sail come from?
The word comes from Old English segel, the Old English form of the Germanic word for a sail. It belongs to a family of related forms that include Old Norse segl and Old Frisian sel, reflecting the common Germanic origin of the English word. Over time, the meaning developed from the material catching the wind to the broader idea of travelling under sail and, by extension, departing or moving confidently.
Related word forms
How sail is actually used
The noun is standard in both British and American English. The verb is commonly used for journeys by water, while figurative uses such as 'sail through an exam' are informal but widely accepted.
Easily confused with sail
A sail is a piece of equipment that catches the wind, whereas a sale is an occasion when goods are sold at reduced prices.