Topsail

usgb/ˈtɑːpseɪl,ˈtɑːpsl/
noun

A sail or set of sails set immediately above the lower sails of a ship.

The sailor raised the topsail to catch more wind.
Visual representation of "topsail" - A sail or set of sails set immediately above the lower sails of a ship.

Often appears as...

  • raise the topsail
  • drop the topsail

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "topsail"
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Nautical Term

Used specifically in sailing contexts to refer to a part of a ship's rigging.

Illustration for Nautical Term
During the voyage, we had to repair the topsail after a storm.
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Historical Usage

'Topsail' is a traditional term more common in historical or maritime texts.

Illustration for Historical Usage
The old galleon's topsail unfurled as it set out to sea.
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Visual Cue

A topsail is typically above the main sail when visualizing a ship.

Illustration for Visual Cue
From the shore, you could see the ship's topsail against the horizon.
Visual representation of the word "Topsail"

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