an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
"The wealthy family gathered on their luxurious yacht to race along the coastline during the summer regatta."
A slick and light ship for making pleasure trips or racing on water, having sails but often motor-powered. At times used as a residence offshore on a dock.
"The family spent their summer vacation aboard the sleek yacht that was moored at the marina."
In plain English: A yacht is a large, fancy boat that people use for leisure sailing on water.
"We spent the weekend sailing on their luxury yacht along the coast."
Usage: A yacht is primarily defined by its use for leisure sailing or racing rather than commercial transport, though it can also serve as an exclusive floating home when moored at a dock. While the term often implies luxury and speed, any privately owned pleasure vessel with sails may technically qualify regardless of size.
travel in a yacht
"We spent the summer traveling across the Mediterranean on our rented yacht."
To sail, voyage, or race in a yacht.
"The team will soon set sail to compete in the prestigious ocean racing series."
In plain English: To yacht means to travel on a boat, usually for fun rather than work.
"They decided to yacht across the channel during their summer vacation."
The word "yacht" comes from the Dutch jacht, which originally meant a pursuit ship used for hunting pirates or smugglers. It was shortened from jachtschip and entered English in the mid-16th century to describe these fast, light sailing vessels.