sailing

1 of 2

noun

sail·​ing ˈsā-liŋ How to pronounce sailing (audio)
Synonyms of sailingnext
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

sailing

2 of 2

present participle of sail entry 2

Examples of sailing in a Sentence

Noun They're going sailing next week.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
In addition to the hazard pay for crews, shipowners are also paying for insurance, and the war risk can command 6%-10% of a ship’s value—translating to up to $20 million for a supertanker sailing through the Gulf. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 And to explore the surroundings, the schooner has a sailing dinghy and bicycles prepped and ready for its passengers. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 In contrast, the United States borders two benign neighbors and enjoys open sailing on two vast oceans. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli ventured into sailing and the America’s Cup in 1997 and currently serves as president of Luna Rossa. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sailing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sailing was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing sailing

Rhymes for sailing

See All Rhymes for sailing

Browse Nearby Words

sail hook
sailing
sailing boat
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Cite this Entry

“Sailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailing. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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