English Word · Intermediate
reef
To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind
Pronunciation: rēf
Meaning
To take in part of a sail in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.
Example
"When the day arrived that the boy was to be skipper, the weather was calm and fine, but he called all men to reef sails, so the ship had scarcely any sail on her."
"When the day arrived that the boy was to be skipper, the weather was calm and fine, but he called all men to reef sails, so the ship had scarcely any sail on her."
Practice tips
- Practice reef out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English word is for intermediate-level learners.