Maker of ropes or sails (5)
I believe the answer is:
sisal
'maker of ropes' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'sails' is the wordplay.
'sails' can be anagrammed to 'SISAL'.
But, I am not clear how this is indicated.
'or' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sisal that I've seen before include "Fibre of Mexican agave" , "material for painter, say?" , "Type of fibre" , "Sails (anag) - fibre" , "Fibre from agave plant" .)