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Definition sail in British English

sail verb

verb
/seɪl/
1

if a boat sails, it moves across the surface of a sea, lake, river etc

Example

The yacht sailed into harbour.

Example

The boat was never designed to sail such rough seas.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to travel somewhere by boat or ship

Example

Sail to Greece aboard the SS Monterey.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

to begin a journey by boat or ship

Example

We sail for Guadalajara early tomorrow morning.

Synonyms and related words
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 holiday sailing the Caribbean (=sailing a boat around the Caribbean).

Synonyms and related words
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
3

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 British English