wing

¹wing

noun, often attributive \ˈwiŋ\

Definition of WING

1

a : one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect is able to fly; also : such an appendage even though rudimentary if possessed by an animal belonging to a group characterized by the power of flight b : any of various anatomical structures (as of a flying fish or flying lemur) providing means of limited flight

2

: an appendage or part resembling a wing in appearance, position, or function: as a : a device worn under the arms to aid a person in swimming or staying afloat b : ala c : a turned-back or extended edge on an article of clothing d : a sidepiece at the top of an armchair e (1) : a foliaceous, membranous, or woody expansion of a plant especially along a stem or on a samara or capsule (2) : either of the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower f : a vane of a windmill or arrow g : sail h : an airfoil that develops a major part of the lift which supports a heavier-than-air aircraft i chiefly British : fender d

3

: a means of flight or rapid progress

4

: the act or manner of flying : flight <take wing>

5

: a side or outlying region or district

6

: a part or feature of a building usually projecting from and subordinate to the main or central part <the servants' wing>

7

a : one of the pieces of scenery at the side of a stage b plural : the area at the side of the stage out of sight

8

a : a left or right section of an army or fleet : flank b : one of the offensive positions or players on either side of a center position in certain team sports; also : flanker

9

a : either of two opposing groups within an organization or society : faction b : a section of an organized body (as a legislative chamber) representing a group or faction holding distinct opinions or policies — compare left wing, right wing

10

a : a unit of the United States Air Force higher than a group and lower than a division b : two or more squadrons of naval airplanes

11

: a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot

12

plural : insignia consisting of an outspread pair of stylized bird's wings which are awarded on completion of prescribed training to a qualified pilot, aircrew member, or military balloon pilot

— wingy \ˈwiŋ-ē\ adjective

— in the wings

1

: out of sight in the stage wings

2

: close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings>

— on the wing

1

: in flight : flying

2

: in motion

— under one's wing

: under one's protection : in one's care <took her under his wing>

Examples of WING

1. In the library's north wing, you'll find the current periodicals.
2. She works in the pediatric wing of the hospital.
3. The guest room is in the east wing.

Illustration of WING

Origin of WING

Middle English winge, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan & Swedish vinge wing; akin to Sanskrit vāti it blows — more at wind

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to WING

Synonyms: bloc, block, body, coalition, party, sect, set, side, faction

Related Words: splinter, split; crew, gang, pack, team; denomination, persuasion; schism, scission; caucus, movement

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Rhymes with WING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, string, swing, thing, wring, zing