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sailboat

American  
[seyl-boht] / ˈseɪlˌboʊt /

noun

  1. a boat having sails as its principal means of propulsion.


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Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of sailboat

First recorded in 1790–1800; sail + boat

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Explanation

A sailboat is a relatively small boat that uses wind power to propel it forward. When the wind is strong enough, sailboats can move very quickly. Ahoy! Sailboats, called sailing boats in Britain, can have anywhere from one to as many as five sails. Larger water vessels that move using sails are distinguished as "sailing ships" rather than sailboats. You might take a tour on a schooner, a large sailboat with two masts, or take a sailing lesson in a small, single-sail dingy. No matter which kind of sailboat, it moves by angling its sails into the wind.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sailboat rental for qualified sailors is $40 for 2½ hours.

From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2022

My roommate group chat informs me that as of tomorrow, all four of us will be stuck an apartment that is so small that we refer to it as the Sailboat.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2020

SAT Sailboat and powerboat rides, boat tours, kayaking and paddleboarding, Seattle Fire Boat display, beer and wine garden, kids’ activities, boat safety information, music, food trucks, vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2018

James W. Graham is the author of, Victura: the Kennedys, a Sailboat, and the Sea.

From Time • Oct. 7, 2014

“Hey,” Bull said, “now there’s a sport you can get enthused about. Sailboat racing. Man, look at ’em go.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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