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

Citron, 37, said he grew up playing video games on Long Island, nearly failed to graduate from Full Sail University in Florida because he spent so much time playing World of Warcraft and went on his first date with his future wife at an arcade.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Citron, 37, said he grew up playing video games in Long Island, nearly failed to graduate from Full Sail University in Florida because he spent so much time playing World of Warcraft and went on his first date with his future wife at an arcade.

From New York Times

“Dance a hornpipe,” cut in Fred, as Jo paused for breath, “and, as they danced, the rubbishy old castle turned to a man-of-war in full sail. ‘Up with the jib, reef the tops’l halliards, helm hard alee, and man the guns!’ roared the captain, as a Portuguese pirate hove in sight, with a flag black as ink flying from her foremast.

From Literature

“But don’t pull me down or strangle me,” he replied: for the Misses Eshton were clinging about him now; and the two dowagers, in vast white wrappers, were bearing down on him like ships in full sail.

From Literature

This wasn’t the first time Mr. Davis, who graduated from Full Sail University in 2018, had gone viral.

From New York Times