Dictionary

Explore meaning, context, and usage with an online dictionary experience optimized for multilingual workflows.

Clear

Try these words

Meaning of sally

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

sally

Pronunciation:/ˈsæli/

noun

Definitions

  1. A sortie of troops from a besieged place against an enemy.

  2. A sudden rushing forth.

    Example: Flocks of these birds stir up flying insects, which can then be picked off in quick sallies.

  3. A witty statement or quip, usually at the expense of one's interlocutor.

  4. An excursion or side trip.

verb

Definitions

  1. To make a sudden attack (e.g. on an enemy from a defended position).

    Example: A feeding strategy of some birds is to sally out from a perch to snatch an insect and then returning to the same or a different perch.

  2. To set out on an excursion; venture; depart (often followed by "forth.")

    Example: As she sallied forth from her boudoir, you would never have guessed how quickly she could strip for action. - William Manchester

  3. To venture off the beaten path.