mainsail Definition
the largest sail on a mainmast of a sailing vessel.
Using mainsail: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mainsail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mainsail was hoisted to catch the wind.
Example
The crew lowered the mainsail during the storm.
Example
The mainsail is made of durable canvas material.
mainsail Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mainsail
- mainstay
- main sheet
- main topsail
Phrases with mainsail
Example
The captain ordered the crew to set the mainsail to catch the wind.
Example
The crew quickly lowered the mainsail when the storm hit.
to reduce the area of the largest sail on the mainmast of a sailing vessel by folding or rolling part of it and securing it to the spar
Example
The sailors had to reef the mainsail to adjust to the changing wind conditions.
Summary: mainsail in Brief
The term 'mainsail' [ˈmeɪnseɪl] refers to the largest sail on the mainmast of a sailing vessel. It is typically made of durable canvas material and can be raised or lowered depending on the wind conditions. Phrases like 'set the mainsail' and 'lower the mainsail' describe the actions of raising and lowering the sail, while 'reef the mainsail' refers to reducing its area.