sailing

noun

sail·​ing ˈsā-liŋ 

1

a

: the technical skill of managing a ship : navigation

b

: the method of determining the course to be followed to reach a given point

2

a

: the sport of handling or riding in a sailboat

b

: a departure from a port

Examples of sailing in a Sentence

They're going sailing next week.

Recent Examples on the Web

On rare occasions, geopolitical tensions or local strikes may prompt cruise lines to adjust itineraries, usually in advance of sailing but sometimes at the last minute. —David Nikel, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Having started from the Stadium Course’s 10th hole, seven straight pars had made for a solid but unremarkable start before Lower sent his tee shot at the par-three 17th sailing clear over the island green and into the drink. —Jack Bantock, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025

Fishing, sailing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and river tubing are popular activities at Lake Pueblo State Park. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025

Unsurprisingly, the region has emerged as one of the top sailing and yachting destinations, where seafaring travelers can explore secluded coves, waterfront tavernas, and centuries-old settlements. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sailing

• clear sailing
• plain sailing
• sailing ship
• smooth sailing

Rhymes for sailing

• ailing
• bailing
• baling
• failing
• flailing
• grayling
• hailing
• jailing
• mailing
• nailing
• paling
• railing