Pronunciation: [hˈiːlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "heeling" is often confused with "healing," but the two have very different meanings. The correct spelling for "heeling" is /ˈhiː.lɪŋ/, with the first syllable pronounced as "hee" and the second syllable pronounced as "ling," rhyming with the word "feeling." It refers to the sideways tilting or tipping of a boat caused by wind or waves. So when you see a boat heeling, don't worry, it's just leaning!
Heeling is a verb that is derived from the word "heel" and refers to the action of tilting, leaning, or slanting to one side. It is commonly used to describe the movement made by a boat, especially a sailboat, when it leans over to one side due to the force of the wind on its sails. As the wind blows against the sails, it creates a lateral force known as the heeling force, which causes the boat to tilt or lean towards the direction the wind is coming from.
The act of heeling can be both intentional and unintentional. In sailboat racing, for instance, skilled sailors may deliberately heel their boat to use the wind efficiently and gain speed. This technique, known as "heeling to the breeze," involves controlling the angle at which the boat leans to optimize its performance. On the other hand, unintentional heeling may occur when a boat encounters sudden gusts of wind or rough water conditions, causing it to lean excessively to one side, potentially leading to loss of control or capsizing.
Heeling can also be used in a broader context to describe the act of leaning or inclining to one side, not necessarily limited to boats. For example, a person walking on a slippery slope may heel due to the force of gravity and the inclination of the terrain. Similarly, when standing on one leg, a person may inadvertently heel to maintain balance. Ultimately, heeling is a term used to describe the sideways tilting or leaning motion observed in various contexts, emphasizing a displacement from an upright position towards one side.
The leaning over to one side of a vessel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "heeling" can have multiple meanings depending on the context. It is important to specify which meaning you are referring to in order to provide an accurate etymology.
If you are referring to the word "heeling" as a verb that means the act of leaning or tilting to one side, typically a watercraft, the origin can be traced back to the nautical terminology. The word "heel" itself, in relation to the leaning of a ship, came from Old English "hǣlan" or "hyldan", which meant "to incline or lean". This ultimately has Germanic origins.
On the other hand, if you are referring to the word "heeling" as a gerund form of the verb "heel", which means to command a dog to walk closely alongside its owner, the etymology is rooted in Old English "hieldan", meaning "to keep, guard, or protect".
