To move along through or over the water by the action of the wind upon sails; by extension, to move along through or over the water by means of sails, oars, steam, or other mechanical agency.
To set sail; hoist sail and depart; begin a journey on shipboard: as, to sail at noon.
To journey by water; travel by ship.
To swim, as a fish or a swan.
To fly without visible movement of the wings, as a bird; float through the air; pass smoothly along; glide: as, the clouds sail across the sky.
Hence, figuratively To move forward impressively, as if in the manner of a ship with all sail set.
To plunge forward, like a ship; rush forward: sometimes with in.
To move or act with great caution; be in circumstances requiring careful action.
To live closely up to one's income; be straitened for money.
To move or pass over or upon by the action of the wind upon sails, or, by extension, by the propelling power of oars, steam, etc.
To direct or manage the motion, movements, and course of; navigate: as, to sail a ship.
noun.
A piece of cloth, or a texture or tissue of some kind, spread to the wind to cause, or assist in causing, a vessel to move through the water.
noun.
That part of the arm of a windmill which catches the wind.
noun.
One of the canvas flaps of a cart or wagon.
noun.
Figuratively, a wing.
noun.
A single ship or vessel, especially a ship considered as one of a number: the same form in the singular and the plural: as. at noon we sighted a sail and gave chase; a fleet of twenty sail.
noun.
A fleet.
noun.
Sailing qualities; speed.
noun.
A journey or excursion upon water; a passage in a vessel or boat.
noun.
A ride in a cart or other conveyance.
noun.
In zoology, a structure or formation of parts suggesting a sail in shape or use.
noun.
To spread more sail; hasten on by spreading more sail.
noun.
To abate show or pomp.
To dance.
To assail.
In lawn-tennis, to rise after crossing the net: said of a ball.