saile

Noun

sail (countable and uncountable, plural sails)

1. A piece of fabric attached to a boat and arranged such that it causes the wind to drive the boat along. The sail may be attached to the boat via a combination of mast, spars and ropes.
   • When we haue laught to ſee the ſailes conceiue / And grow big bellied with the wanton winde; […]c. 1595–1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “A Midsommer Nights Dreame”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First...
2. (uncountable) The concept of a sail or sails, as if a substance.
   • Take in sail: a storm is coming.

   Synonyms:

   canvass

3. (uncountable) The power harnessed by a sail or sails, or the use of this power for travel or transport.
4. A trip in a boat, especially a sailboat.
   • Let's go for a sail.
5. (dated, plural "sail") A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft.
   • Twenty sail were in sight.
6. The conning tower of a submarine.

See all 19 meanings of sail