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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Steelers' last chance to pull ahead ended with Drew Allar's pass sailing behind tight end Lake McRee on fourth-and-7 with 44 seconds remaining. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The area The hotel is located in the Raa Atoll, a region best known for its excellent diving, sailing and surfing spots. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper also helped rescue a man from a disabled sailing vessel nearly 500 miles off the Oregon coast in late May. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 But many of us come from a background in traditional sailing. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 27 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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