Language Research

sail · verb

/seɪl/Full view

sail (CONTROL BOAT)

B1 I or T to control a boat that has no engine and is pushed by the wind

Dictionary examples:

He sailed the dinghy up the river.

She sailed around the world solo in her yacht.

Learner example:

First of all, we are going to the beach where some sail[o]rs are going to teach us how to sail. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

sail (TRAVEL ON BOAT)

B1 I to travel somewhere on a boat or a ship

Dictionary example:

We sailed to New York.

Learner example:

You know, I've got a boat and if you want, we will be able to spend five days on it. We will sail to the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Sark...) . (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

sail (MOVE ON WATER)

B2 I When a boat or a ship sails, it travels on the water.

Dictionary examples:

The ship was sailing to China.

The boat sailed along/down the coast.

As the ship sailed by/past, everyone on deck waved.

Learner example:

I started the film and we could all see a ship sailing towards the camera. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

sail · noun

/seɪl/

sail

C2 C a large piece of material that is fixed to a pole on a boat to catch the wind and make the boat move

Dictionary example:

Our boat has a yellow sail.

Learner example:

Surrounded by swooping birds and the distant moos of the cows, the billowing sails would sen[d] us off with the wind. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)

set sail

C2 to start a trip on a boat or ship

Dictionary example:

We set sail for home the next day.

Learner example:

What made things turn from gr[a]y to black was that soon after my return I was invited to set sail to the Spanish islands. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)