brail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Term of ArtTechnical/Maritime
Quick answer
What does “brail” mean?
To haul or pull up a sail or fishing net using ropes called brails.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To haul or pull up a sail or fishing net using ropes called brails.
A rope (brail) used on a small sailing vessel to gather and control a sail. More rarely, to haul up or secure any object using ropes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both dialects, confined to nautical terminology.
Connotations
Strongly evokes traditional sailing, seamanship, and maritime heritage.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “brail” in a Sentence
SUBJ + brail + OBJ (sail/net)SUBJ + brail up + OBJOBJ (sail) + be + brailedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The crew were ordered to brail the sail as the squall approached.
- We'll need to brail up the mizzen before entering the harbour.
American English
- The skipper told us to brail the jib quickly.
- They brailed the net aboard, heavy with fish.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, maritime, or anthropological texts describing sailing techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in manuals for traditional sailing vessel operation and restoration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brail”
- Confusing 'brail' (verb/noun) with 'Braille' (proper noun).
- Using it in non-nautical contexts.
- Spelling as 'bral' or 'brayle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Brail' is a nautical term. 'Braille' (capital B) is a tactile writing system for the visually impaired, named after its inventor, Louis Braille.
Yes. A 'brail' is the specific rope or line used to gather and haul up a sail or net.
No. It is a rare, specialized term used primarily in historical contexts, traditional sailing, and certain fishing communities.
To 'furl' or 'haul in' a sail are the closest common synonyms.
Brail is usually technical/maritime in register.
Brail: in British English it is pronounced /breɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /breɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SAIL being pulled by a BRAID of rope. BRAID -> BRAIL.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS GATHERING (e.g., 'brail in the details' is a conceivable but non-standard metaphorical extension).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'brail'?