full sail

noun

1. all the sails of a vessel:

   All three ships had full sail set.

adverb

1. with all sails set:

   The ship was moving ahead full sail.

2. rapidly; forcefully:

   He proceeded full sail despite our objections.

full sail

adverb

1. at top speed

adjective

1. with all sails set

Derived Forms

• ˌfull-ˈsailed, adjective

Other Words From

• full-sailed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of full sail¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

It was doubtless a seal of this character to which Clement of Alexandria alludes as bearing the —the ship in full sail for heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

The sea was unruffled, and we were sailing towards the pier with full sail, and a gentle morning breeze.

From Project Gutenberg

The frigate had by this time got out of her side channel, and was coming up under full sail.

From Project Gutenberg

They came on under full sail, but one of them was slow and fell far behind, so that the other came up alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Signals were given for all the vessels to close in on the enemy, and the Niagara bore down under full sail.

From Project Gutenberg