sailing
noun
Sailing — the departure of a vessel, setting out across open water
Definition
The departure of a vessel from a port
In depth
Sailing, in this specific sense, names the departure of a vessel from a port, the moment a ship sets out from harbor and begins its voyage. The word carries the romance and anticipation of beginning a journey across water, distinct from the broader recreational or sporting sense of sailing as an ongoing activity.
Origin
The word descends from Old English seglian, to sail, related to segl, a sail, part of an ancient Germanic vocabulary for maritime travel. Its long literary use to mark the beginning of a voyage, rather than the voyage's duration, reflects the particular emotional and narrative significance long attached to the moment of a ship's departure, the last sight of land before the unknown.
Usage examples
"The ship's sailing was delayed by nearly a full day due to unexpected repairs."
"Crowds gathered at the dock to witness the grand vessel's sailing, an event the whole town had anticipated for weeks."
"Her sailing for the new world marked the last time she would ever see the harbor of her childhood."
How to use it
Used in this sense, sailing names a specific departure event rather than the ongoing activity of operating a sailing vessel, and context, particularly accompanying prepositions like 'from' or 'for,' usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
Related concepts
Looking for a word but don't know its name?
Try the Word Finder →