Sail meaning in English

Learn how to use Sail correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

to sail: to navigate, to travel in a boat, to cruise verb
We're setting sail for San Francisco. We're leaving by boat and travelling to San Francisco tomorrow.
a sail (on a boat): a canvas (on a boat) noun
a sail boat a yacht

Examples

  • "Jean : When I was little, I always wanted to be a pirate, to sail the seven seas and look for treasures and use my sword... and my gun..."
Exercise 1
Many secrets have been revealed in this scene.
The most shocking secret is that !
Many secrets have been revealed in this scene.
The most shocking secret is that Bruno is Horatio's father!
Bruno is Horatio's father: Excellent choice! Who knew that Horatio was Bruno's son? It seems unlikely, even impossible, given that Horatio is 102 years old, however on April 1st, anything can happen.
Exercise 2
Fill in the blanks below with the appropriate boating or nautical term.

Terms used in the dialogue.
The front section of a ship or boat is called the . The platform or floor of a ship which extends from one end to the other is called the . This is the surface we walk on while on a ship.

Terms NOT used in the dialogue.
The is a tall vertical pole which rises from a ship, and supports at least one , which is a piece of fabric used to convert wind energy and move the ship.

Fill in the blanks below with the appropriate boating or nautical term.

Terms used in the dialogue.
The front section of a ship or boat is called the bow 1. The platform or floor of a ship which extends from one end to the other is called the deck 2. This is the surface we walk on while on a ship.

Terms NOT used in the dialogue.
The mast 3 is a tall vertical pole which rises from a ship, and supports at least one sail 4, which is a piece of fabric used to convert wind energy and move the ship.
1 bow: The nautical term "bow" refers to the front section of a boat, specifically the pointed front end. In the film Titanic, this is where Leo shouts "I'm king of the world!". Note that "bow" has several other meanings both as a noun and a verb.
2 deck: The "deck" of a boat or ship is the surface of the vessel which extends from one end of the ship to the other. The "deck" refers only to the surface on the top level of the boat, and not anything below (such as a galley or cabin) or above (such as a mast or sail). Note that the term "deck" has several other meanings both as a noun and a verb.
3 mast: A "mast" is a tall vertical pole extending from the deck (or below) which is used as a support for the sails of a ship. Larger ships have more than one mast and more than one sail.
4 sail: A "sail" is a sort of sheet made from canvas (and other fabrics) which catches wind and converts energy in order to propel the ship. A "sail boat" is a type of boat propelled by wind and sails, and the verb "to sail" refers to the act of piloting or navigating a boat.
Exercise 3
Fill in the blanks below using terms used in today's broadcast to complete the (new) story below.

After listening to the weather on Friday, Horatio decided to go to the beach. He heard that there would be of 30 degrees during the day. Horatio loves sunbathing, and the weatherman predicted a lot of , so he brought his sunglasses and a big towel. Horatio even brought a kite to fly, and a little sailboat because the weatherman also said there would be .

All these terms were used in the broadcast you just heard

Fill in the blanks below using terms used in today's broadcast to complete the (new) story below.

After listening to the weather forecast 1 on Friday, Horatio decided to go to the beach. He heard that there would be highs 2 of 30 degrees during the day. Horatio loves sunbathing, and the weatherman predicted a lot of sunshine 3, so he brought his sunglasses and a big towel. Horatio even brought a kite to fly, and a little sailboat because the weatherman also said there would be wind 4.

All these terms were used in the broadcast you just heard
1 forecast: A "forecast" is a prediction. The term is often used in the context of weather reports and meteorology, however the term can also be used in other contexts, notably financial ones. Example: The sales forecast for the next two quarters is promising. As a verb, "to forecast" is to predict.
2 highs: As a noun, "highs" are the upper, maximum range, or the "peak" of something (such as temperatures). Example: We had highs in the 90's all summer long. The terms "highs" and "lows" are commonly used to express the maximum and minimum temperatures (throughout the day, week, etc.).
3 sunshine: "Sunshine" refers to the light emitted by that wonderful star, the sun. If the weatherman has predicted "sunshine" it makes sense that Horatio would bring sunglasses and a towel to the beach.
4 wind: "Wind" is moving air. "Flying a kite" and "sailing" are two activities which require wind (to propel the kite and boat).

Still unsure of the best way to use 'Sail'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.