left wing

noun

plural left wings
Synonyms of left wingnext
1
: the leftist division of a group (such as a political party) : the segment of a group (such as a political party) that calls for greater adherence to liberalism (see liberalism sense 2a) or progressivism (see progressivism sense 1)
the left wing of the Democratic Party
2
: political parties and individuals who support or promote political liberalism or progressivism
sometimes, specifically : such parties and individuals who are deeply opposed to capitalism
left-wing adjective
left-wing politics
left-winger noun
plural left-wingers
the party's left-wingers

Examples of left wing in a Sentence

His nomination is supported by the party's left wing but opposed by the right wing. the left wing has lost considerable influence in the party, which is now aggressively courting political moderates
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As for the latter, Hagens is finding himself on the walls more often with a move to left wing. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026 With two defenders running at the freshman guard in the final minute with Arkansas hanging on with a two-point lead, Acuff fired a pass on the left wing to an open Trevon Brazile. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026 Booker hit a 3-pointer from the left wing. Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026 Based on line rushes at morning skate Monday, Tkachuk is set to play right wing on Florida’s third forward line alongside left wing Mackie Samoskevich and center Evan Rodrigues. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for left wing

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of left wing was in 1844

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Left wing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left%20wing. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on left wing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!