noun
mainsail
MAIN-sale/ˈmeɪnseɪl/
The principal sail on a sailing vessel.
The mainsail fills with wind as the boat leaves the harbor.
Etymology
Main developed from a word for power or strength into an adjective meaning chief or principal. In mainsail it identifies the principal sail; on a square-rigged vessel, this is the sail attached to the main-yard.
In context
already his seamen were hauling on the line and raising the mainsail
More examples
- We raise the mainsail before setting off across the bay.
- The crew lowers the mainsail as the storm approaches.
- Both boats need new mainsails before the race.
Forms
mainsail · mainsails
Similar words
- sail
- A broader term covering any sail, not just the principal one.