Definition

A triangular sail that is attached to the forestay of a sailing vessel, typically used to help with navigation and control of the boat.

Example

The sailor adjusted the forestaysail to catch the wind more effectively.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a forestaysail on a sailboat?

Yeah, they look pretty cool when they're set up.

I read they're really useful for stability.

Absolutely, they help catch the wind better!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Forestaysail → It is formed from "fore" (from Old English "foran", meaning in front) and "stay" (from Old English "stǣġ", meaning a support or stay) and "sail" (from Old English "sægl", meaning a sail). The word refers to a sail that is supported by a stay in the front part of a ship.

Memory Tip

Think of a sail that is supported ('stay') in the front ('fore') of a ship — that's what a forestaysail is.

Visually Confused Words