sailing ship sai·lings·hip uncommon noun 1. a vessel that is powered by the wind; often having several masts Synonymssailing vesselsailing ship Related words Broader terms vessel Narrower terms barkbrigbrigantineclippercutterdhowfeluccafore-and-after Part of boomgaffgaffsailhelmmastsailyard WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved.