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

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 notes

In plain EnglishThe principal sail of a sailing boat, attached to the main mast.

Word forms

mainsails plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The crew hauled up the _____ as the wind picked up.

Etymology

From main + sail.

Rhymes for mainsail

rail tail pail mail nail sail fail hail jail vail bail wail

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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.