1. a triangular fore-and-aft sail set on a stay between two masts or between a mast and the bowsprit
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The crew hoisted the staysail to catch the favorable wind.
• A torn staysail flapped uselessly in the storm.
• The yacht’s staysail helped maintain balance between the main masts.
• They replaced the old staysail with a newer, more durable one.
• The staysail filled with wind as the boat changed course.
• Without the staysail, the ship’s handling became more difficult.