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

Saturday in Seattle, the speedy left wing had shown well as a late-game entry. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026

Stepan’s wrist shot from the left wing caps a comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the series. —Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

The crash damaged the plane's left wing and fuselage, causing a fuel leak. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 13 May 2026

The same applies to his Spanish namesake, Hugo Bueno, who has demonstrated his durability, athleticism and crossing ability at left wing-back this season. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 12 May 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