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

The country now has 19 total Olympic medals, including nine in judo and five in sailing. —Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024

Downtown Sailing Center summer camps are for children between the ages of 8 and 16, but are open to children with any level of sailing experience, according to its website. —Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2024

In addition to onboard security and medical care, the vessels have facilities and protocols in case someone dies during a sailing. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2024

Instead, pick a few things to do off the never-ending daily program, then see how your sailing unfolds. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2024

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