left wing

noun

plural left wings

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

ˈleft-ˈwiŋ 

adjective

left-wing politics

left-winger

ˈleft-ˈwiŋ-ər 

noun

plural left-wingers

the party's left-wingers

Synonyms of left wing

• liberalism
• left

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

Son moved fast, especially up the left wing, and arced balls masterfully into the corners of the net. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026

Easily the greatest left wing until the 1970s, perhaps still ever, The Golden Jet led the NHL in goals eight times in his first 12 seasons, raising the single season goals record to 58. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Republicans will seize on any DSA wins this week to cast swing-seat Democrats as allies of the left wing. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 23 June 2026

But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for left wing

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• plaything
• shoestring
• texting