Definition

A type of sail that is positioned above the lowest sail on a ship's mast, used in both square-rigged and fore-and-aft-rigged vessels.

Example

The crew worked hard to raise the topsail as the wind picked up.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a ship with a topsail?

Yeah, I saw one when I went sailing last summer!

It's fascinating how those sails work together, right?

Absolutely, the topsail really helps catch the wind more efficiently.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Topsail** → The word is formed from "top" (from Old English *toppa*, meaning the highest part) and "sail" (from Old English *segel*, meaning a piece of fabric used to catch wind). The term "topsail" refers to the sail that is set above the main sail on a ship, thus representing the highest sail.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'highest part' ('top') of a ship's sails — that's what a topsail is, the sail that is positioned above the main one.

Visually Confused Words