What does windsail mean?
A windsail is a sail that catches the wind and converts its force into movement, most commonly on a sailing boat but also on wind-powered land vehicles such as land yachts. On a vessel, the term may identify a specific sail distinguished by its position, shape, or function rather than simply meaning any sail. The word is associated with traditional seamanship, sailing competitions, and experimental or recreational wind-powered transport. It is also closely related in everyday association to devices that respond to wind, although a windsail actually provides propulsion rather than merely indicating wind direction. In nautical contexts, sailors may raise, set, trim, or lower a windsail as they adjust the craft's course and speed. Because the term is more specialized than the general word 'sail,' it is especially useful when describing the particular sail or the wind-powered role of a canvas structure.
nounA sail designed to catch the wind and propel a sailing vessel or other wind-powered vehicle. In nautical use, it can refer to a particular type of sail on a boat.
- A sail on a boat or other vehicle, designed to catch the wind and provide propulsion.
- A sail-like or canvas structure fitted to a land vehicle so that it can be driven by the wind.
"The crew raised the windsail as the boat entered the open water."
"The old fishing boat carried a broad windsail for running before the wind."
"The land-yacht team adjusted its windsail when the wind shifted direction."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one windsail.
"The museum displays several model boats with their original windsails."
On a sailing boat, the windsail turns moving air into motion; on a land vehicle, the same idea lets the wind do the work of an engine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of windsail
Windsail is an English compound formed from 'wind' and 'sail', both of which are long-established English words. The compound developed in the language of sailing and nautical technology, where a sail's function is to catch moving air and produce forward motion. Its components are also reflected in related English formations involving wind or sailing, such as 'windward', 'windmill', 'sailor', and 'sailfish'.
How windsail is actually used
The word is chiefly nautical and technical, but it is also used in descriptions of wind-powered land vehicles. It is less usual than the general word 'sail' in everyday speech.
Easily confused with windsail
A windsail is a sail that helps propel a vehicle, whereas a windsock is a fabric indicator that shows wind direction and strength.