1. small triangular sails set on the masts of a ship during storms or heavy weather
Usage: nautical; plural form

Examples

• The crew quickly hoisted the trysails as the storm approached.
• With the main sails torn, they relied on trysails to maintain control.
• The captain ordered the trysails to be set when the wind reached gale force.
• Trysails are essential equipment for sailing in rough seas.
• The small yacht’s trysails helped it weather the unexpected squall.
• During the hurricane, only the trysails remained intact.