balloon sail

noun

, Nautical.

1. any light, loose sail, as a jib or spinnaker, used by a yacht in light wind.

balloon sail

noun

1. nautical a large light bellying sail used in light winds Compare spinnaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of balloon sail¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Back at base, we snacked on wild mangoes with chilli sauce, strips of deep-fried buffalo skin and sun-dried pork while watching a hot-air balloon sail over the peaks as the sun set.

From The Guardian

Baby jib top-sails had been sent down before the rounding, and spinnaker poles were now ready for the balloon sail.

From Project Gutenberg

As the balloon sails on, borne forward by the wind, its shadow travels either on the ground or on the clouds.

From Project Gutenberg

"Only to have a race you have to let your balloon sail off, without any string fast to it, and you will not get it back again."

From Project Gutenberg

He accepts a pipe, and his greater height raises it into a favourable current of air—the glistening balloon sails off.

From Project Gutenberg