staysail

noun

stay·​sail ˈstā-ˌsāl How to pronounce staysail (audio) -səl How to pronounce staysail (audio)
: a fore-and-aft sail hoisted on a stay see sail illustration

Examples of staysail in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The yacht carries a wardrobe of jibs, staysails, gaff main and gaff foresail, and topmast and fisherman staysails, setting eight sails in her full racing configuration. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staysail was in 1669

Rhymes for staysail

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Browse Nearby Words

stay put
staysail
staysail schooner
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Cite this Entry

“Staysail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staysail. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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