sailcloth

noun

sail·​cloth ˈsāl-ˌklȯth How to pronounce sailcloth (audio)
: a heavy canvas used for sails, tents, or upholstery
also : a lightweight canvas used for clothing

Examples of sailcloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wind fills the sailcloth of their racing boat, which leaves spray in its wake. — James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 The three men strung an old sailcloth between the two sleds and pitched tents beneath it. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Videos captured the ensuing chaos as people on the shoreline and bridge span ran in terror, and Navy cadets dangled from the ship's crossbeams and sailcloth. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2025 Built entirely from repurposed sailcloth, the sculpture required months of planning, fabrication and hand sewing. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sailcloth

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sailcloth was in the 13th century

Rhymes for sailcloth

See All Rhymes for sailcloth

Browse Nearby Words

sail close to the wind
sailcloth
sailer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sailcloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailcloth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sailcloth

noun
sail·​cloth -ˌklȯth How to pronounce sailcloth (audio)
: a heavy canvas

More from Merriam-Webster on sailcloth

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sailcloth

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