noun
mainsail
MAYN-sayl
Mainsail (noun) means the largest sail on a sailboat, set on the main mast. Example: “The crew hauled up the mainsail as the wind picked up.”
noun
1
The largest sail on a sailboat, set on the main mast.
"The crew hauled up the mainsail as the wind picked up."
How to use mainsail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe principal sail of a sailing boat, attached to the main mast.
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Word forms
- Plural
- mainsails
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The crew hauled up the _____ as the wind picked up.
Etymology
From main + sail.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for mainsail
See all rhymes for mainsail →Frequently asked questions
What does “mainsail” mean?
The word “mainsail” means the largest sail on a sailboat, set on the main mast. In plain terms, the principal sail of a sailing boat, attached to the main mast.
How do you pronounce “mainsail”?
“Mainsail” is pronounced MAYN-sayl (/ˈmeɪnseɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “mainsail” in a sentence?
Here is “mainsail” used in a sentence: “The crew hauled up the mainsail as the wind picked up.”
What part of speech is “mainsail”?
“Mainsail” is a noun.