sailing — the activity or sport of traveling in or directing a boat with sails
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the activity or sport of traveling in or directing a boat with sails
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈseɪlɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My sailing skills are so bad, even the fish swim away in embarrassment.
- She dreams of sailing around the world someday.
- The sailing instructor said I was a natural... naturally terrible!
sailing
NOUN[/ˈseɪlɪŋ/]
the activity or sport of traveling in or directing a boat with sails

Sailing a boat with wind power

Keep sailing despite the failing sail and seagulls wailing!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'sailing' derives from Old Germanic 'sail', referring to a canvas sheet used to catch wind for propulsion. The term evolved alongside maritime history, becoming established in Old English and developing its modern form as sea travel became central to Germanic and later English culture.
Breakdown
sail (a canvas sheet for catching wind) + -ing (present participle and gerund suffix indicating an action or activity). The construction transforms the noun into a verbal noun denoting the act of operating a sail-equipped vessel.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My sailing skills are so bad, even the fish swim away in embarrassment.”
“She dreams of sailing around the world someday.”
“The sailing instructor said I was a natural... naturally terrible!”
“Sailing requires both skill and patience with the wind.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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