a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship through water, travel in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation

set sail, make sail, take the wind out of someone's sails

Formal and Informal Expressions of sail

In different contexts, you can replace 'sail' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'canvas, rigging' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'catch some wind, hit the high seas' is a commonplace synonym.

sail: Explore its Definition & Usage

sail Definition

1a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship through water
2travel in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation

Using sail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The sail was torn in the storm.
Example
They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
Example
He loves to sail on the weekends.
Example
We will sail to the island tomorrow.

sail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sail

Antonyms for sail

Phrases with sail

set sail
to begin a voyage by hoisting the sails
Example
We set sail at dawn.
make sail
to hoist the sails and begin moving
Example
We made sail and headed out to sea.
take the wind out of someone's sails
to undermine or deflate someone's confidence or position
Example
His criticism really took the wind out of her sails.

Origins of sail

from Old English 'segel'

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Summary: sail in Brief

The term 'sail' [seɪl] refers to a piece of material used to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship through water. It can also mean to travel in a boat with sails, often for sport or recreation. Common phrases include 'set sail' and 'make sail,' which denote beginning a voyage, and 'take the wind out of someone's sails,' meaning to undermine someone's confidence or position.