sail 1 of 2

Definition of sailnext
1
as in to boat
to travel on water in a vessel I can't sail when there's any breeze at all because I get seasick easily

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2
3
as in to hover
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a leaf sailed by, carried by the breeze

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sail

2 of 2

noun

as in voyage
a journey over water in a vessel we went for a brief sail on the bay to relax

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sail
Verb
One Piece sets sail again on Netflix on March 10. Katie Campione, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026 But new archaeological evidence suggests ancient humans managed to sail to the islands, too. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
There’s no pivot, no walk-back, not even a political trimming of the sails. Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2026 This 11-night voyage from Vancouver stops in Hilo and Kailua Kona on the Big Island and sails along Kauai's rugged Napali Coast before disembarking in Honolulu. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sail
Verb
  • There are walking trails, a spa, water activities such as boating and windsurfing, rum tasting, and three infinity-edge pools.
    Ronny Maye, Essence, 1 Feb. 2026
  • But can Miami close the deal and boat the whale?
    Greg Cote January 30, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Insulating silicone gaskets and foam silicone pads isolate the electronics and fans at the bottom from heat above; a fine steel mesh allows air to flow upwards from the fans, while preventing debris from falling into the componentry.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Millions of dollars in federal funds were set to flow once again to the Hudson River Tunnel Thursday night, after a federal court order blocking the bucks expired.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The latest tally marks an eight-week high and comes after a recent stretch where filings, which are considered a proxy for layoff activity, had hovered around two-year lows.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The service This is where Sofitel shines—attentive, multilingual staff who anticipate your needs without hovering.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Greenfield arrived in Florida in early January, then embarked on a voyage of reflection and solitude while paddling for nearly two weeks in the Florida Everglades.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Guests can also go on a donut boat voyage on the lake.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some kids are ferried by a parent or guardian; Lamia transports herself.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Blue Origin, the space exploration company founded by Jeff Bezos, also holds a multibillion NASA contract to develop a vehicle capable of ferrying astronauts from deep space to the lunar surface.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The streets through which Rebecca and her friends cruised on their way to partyin’, partyin’ looked like a typical Orange County neighborhood.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In addition to the engines, the propulsion system also includes generators and a battery pack that enable the owner to choose the most efficient cruising mode for the situation.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Matte black hearts float across a nude base, framed by glossy, solid black nails.
    Samantha Brash, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The design of Jane and Bob's house was of that era, intended to feel weightless, floating above and looking over.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • On Earth, skis can glide across snowy surfaces because of the way water ice behaves.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Camper helms production on the track, laying down a soulful canvas for Monét’s honeyed vocals to glide over.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sail. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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