Meaning & use

sally

noun·Advanced

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a sudden, energetic rush forward, especially a military attack from a defended position, or a witty, spirited remark.

See it in a sentence

The garrison made a daring sally against the besieging army under cover of darkness.

She interrupted the debate with a sharp sally that left the panel laughing.

A note on using this word

Sally is also common as a verb in the phrase 'sally forth,' meaning to set out boldly or energetically; it's a common given name too, but as a common noun it carries these two distinct senses.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. verb

to set out from a place energetically or boldly.

Every morning he would sally forth into the city with his camera.

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