Definition of Sail
Quick Meaning of Sail
To move across water in a boat, often using the wind to push the sails forward.
Detailed Definition of Sail
To travel on water using a boat or ship, especially one powered by wind in sails.
How to Pronounce Sail
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable with long 'a' sound like 'say'. Not 'sile' or 'sel'. Rhymes with 'pale', 'tale', 'mail'.
Origin and Etymology of Sail
From Old English 'segl', meaning sail or fabric. Related to cloth that catches wind on ships.
How to Use Sail in a Sentence
Each example shows “sail” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean last summer.”
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“The ship will sail from the harbor at dawn tomorrow.”
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“She has been sailing competitively since she was a child.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Sail
Common Synonyms for Sail
Smart Synonyms for Sail — When to Use Each
- navigate
- more technical, used for ships plotting courses
- cruise
- travel for pleasure on water typically longer distances
- voyage
- long formal journey across sea or water
Common Collocations with Sail
These phrases pair with “sail” in everyday English:
- sail the seas
- sail across
- set sail
- smooth sailing
- sail away
Common Mistakes When Using Sail
Even fluent speakers slip up with “sail”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The boat sailed through the storm hardly.
- ✓ Correct: The boat barely sailed through the storm.
- Why: Adverb 'hardly' cannot follow verb 'sailed'. Use 'barely' or place 'hardly' before or after the object.
- ✗ Wrong: They sailing to the island tomorrow.
- ✓ Correct: They are sailing to the island tomorrow.
- Why: Use 'are sailing' (present continuous) for planned future events, not base form 'sailing'.
Words Confused With Sail
- Sail vs Sale: Homophone: sail (boat travel) vs. sale (selling goods). Same sound, different meanings. Compare →
Other Forms of Sail
Frequently Asked Questions About Sail
What is the meaning of "Sail"?
To move across water in a boat, often using the wind to push the sails forward.
How do you pronounce "Sail"?
The IPA is /seɪl/. One syllable with long 'a' sound like 'say'. Not 'sile' or 'sel'. Rhymes with 'pale', 'tale', 'mail'.
What part of speech is "Sail"?
"Sail" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Sail"?
Common synonyms include navigate, voyage, cruise.
How do you use "Sail" in a sentence?
For example: "They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean last summer."