forewing

noun

fore·​wing ˈfȯr-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce forewing (audio)
: either of the anterior wings of a 4-winged insect

Examples of forewing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web They can be distinguished from other members of the genus by a small number of bristles on their forewings in addition to their slender legs, researchers said. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024 The top of its forewing is marked by white, translucent spots. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The forewings are light brown, with black spots at the front. Detroit Free Press, 14 May 2023 Their forewings are light brown with black spots, and their hindwings are mainly red with black spots. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2023 My memory reeled back and forth in time, trying to come up with a more effectively frizzled nub of broccoli, another forewing that tempted me to lick every bit of flesh from the harplike frame of thin bones. New York Times, 13 July 2021 Grasshoppers make their calls by scraping rows of tiny pegs on their back legs against a thickened vein on the forewing. Jules Howard, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2014 While the dark form has solid brown wings with a white streak or spot on each forewing. Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press, 9 Nov. 2022 Both forms have a distinctive white mark dot in the middle of each forewing. Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press, 9 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forewing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forewing was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near forewing

Cite this Entry

“Forewing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forewing. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

forewing

noun
fore·​wing ˈfō(ə)r-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce forewing (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: either of the front wings of a four-winged insect
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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