noun

sally

SA-lee

noun

A sudden dash out from a defended position to attack, or a similar sudden burst of activity.

"The defenders made a daring sally against the besieging army under cover of darkness."

A short trip or excursion, or a witty, sharp remark made in conversation.

"She made an occasional sally into the art world, but painting was never her main career."

"His sallies of wit kept the whole dinner table laughing."

verb

To set out suddenly, especially to venture forth from a safe place.

"The troops sallied forth at dawn to catch the enemy off guard."

How to Use Sally

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo dash out suddenly, or a short outing or clever remark, depending on context.

Common mistake

Often used in the fixed phrase "sally forth" — don't confuse it with the given name Sally.

Common pairings

sally forth a witty sally a sally against the enemy

sallied past tense, sallies plural, sallies plural, sallies plural, sallies plural, Sallies plural, Sallys plural, sallies singular

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The defenders made a daring _____ against the besieging army under cover of darkness.

From Old French saillir, "to leap out," from Latin salire, "to jump."

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