Langimage
English

sails

|sails|

A2

/seɪlz/

(sail)

wind propulsion

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
sailsailssailssailedsailedsailing
Etymology
Etymology Information

'sail' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'segel', where 'segel' meant 'sail'.

Historical Evolution

'segel' transformed into the Middle English word 'sail', and eventually became the modern English word 'sail'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a piece of fabric used to catch the wind', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a piece of fabric attached to a boat or ship to catch the wind and propel it forward.

The sails of the ship were hoisted to catch the wind.

Synonyms

Verb 1

third person singular present tense of 'sail', meaning to travel on water using sails.

She sails across the lake every weekend.

Synonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/02/16 05:36