mainsail
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of mainsail
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at main 1, sail
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.
Ordinary maneuvers such as tacking and gybing—both of which involve swinging the mainsail from one side of the vessel to the other—are arduous for the solo sailor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Fisher said he and Mettraux were under cover in the cockpit while sailing downwind with one reef in the mainsail when the boat nose-dived into a large wave and they heard a loud bang.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 11, 2021
As the mainsail swung across the boat, the mainsheet system caught Fisher and knocked him off, the team said.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 29, 2018
When we shortened the mainsail, I failed to recognize the tack — a grommet at the corner of the sail — for the first reef.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2018
We climb high enough to reach the mainsail.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
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