A2noun2K

Sailing

UK /["/ˈseɪlɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈseɪlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

the sport or activity of travelling in a boat with sails

In simple words: Using a boat with sails to travel on water.

Examples

  • to go sailing
  • a sailing club
  • the college rowing and sailing teams
  • They are going on a 10-day sailing trip.
  • There are six sailings a day.
  • What time is the next sailing?
  • Sailings were suspended in the high winds.
  • The company operates regular sailings between Hull and Zeebrugge.
  • the 4 p.m. sailing from Dover to Calais

Usage notes

Used in both casual and formal contexts. Appropriate when talking about leisure activities or sport, but may not be suitable in technical discussions regarding naval travel.

Grammar pattern

sailing + object

Memory hint

Think of 'sail' and imagine a sailboat gliding smoothly across the water.

Collocations

  • dinghy
  • go
  • club
  • school
  • regatta

Synonyms

  • boating
  • yachting
  • navigating

Antonyms

  • driving
  • floating

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sailor' (a person who sails boats).
  • Misunderstanding 'sailing' as only for large boats, while small boats also sail.
  • Using 'sailing' incorrectly as a noun without proper context.