Pronunciation: /sɛt seɪl/

Definitions of set sail

noun a journey by boat

Example Sentences

A1 They set sail on a small boat.

A2 The pirates decided to set sail in search of treasure.

B1 After months of preparation, the crew finally set sail on their around-the-world journey.

B2 The captain gave the command to set sail at dawn.

C1 The wealthy businessman set sail on his luxurious yacht for a relaxing vacation.

C2 Despite the stormy weather, the experienced sailors set sail confidently towards their destination.

verb to begin a journey by boat

Example Sentences

A1 The sailors set sail on their ship.

A2 They decided to set sail for a new adventure.

B1 Before they could set sail, they needed to check the weather forecast.

B2 The captain gave the order to set sail at dawn.

C1 After months of preparation, the crew finally set sail on their around-the-world voyage.

C2 Setting sail into the unknown, the explorers were filled with a sense of excitement and trepidation.

Examples of set sail in a Sentence

formal The captain ordered the crew to set sail at sunrise.

informal Let's set sail as soon as the weather clears up.

slang We're gonna set sail once we grab some snacks.

figurative After years of preparation, he was finally ready to set sail on his new business venture.

Grammatical Forms of set sail

past tense

set sailed

plural

set sails

present tense

sets sail

future tense

will set sail

perfect tense

has set sail

continuous tense

is setting sail

singular

sets sail

positive degree

set sail

infinitive

set sail

gerund

setting sail

participle

set sailing

Origin and Evolution of set sail

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'set sail' originated from the practice of raising and arranging the sails on a ship before beginning a voyage.
Evolution of the word: Originally used literally to describe the action of setting the sails on a ship, 'set sail' has evolved to also figuratively mean to begin a journey or venture.