Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition sail in American English

sail verb

verb
/seɪl/
1

if a boat sails, it moves across the surface of an ocean, lake, river, etc.

Example

The yacht sailed into harbor.

Example

The boat was never designed to sail such rough seas.

Synonyms and related words
capsize cast off come about
1.1

to travel somewhere by boat or ship

Example

Sail to Greece aboard the SS Monterey.

Synonyms and related words
a bad/good sailor the Admiral’s Cup ahoy
1.2

to begin a trip by boat or ship

Example

We sail for Guadalajara tomorrow morning.

Synonyms and related words
depart embark on hit the road
1.3

to control the movement of a boat or ship, especially one that uses the wind to move it

Example

It's a great opportunity to learn to sail.

Example

They spent their vacation sailing the Caribbean (=sailing a boat around the Caribbean).

Synonyms and related words
a bad/good sailor the Admiral’s Cup ahoy
2

to move quickly and easily

Example

He sailed past us without even saying a word.

Example

The ball sailed over his head and into the goal.

Synonyms and related words
fly hasten speed
3

to do something that is risky or dangerous

Example

She's sailing close to the wind by behaving like that!

4

to try to achieve something that is unlikely to succeed

Example

He is sailing against the wind to score the best among his classmates.

Definition sail in American English