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

Calvin Harris has been impressive on the left wing for Sporting KC to start the 2026 MLS season. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026

Palhinha has been moved from central midfield to defence, Conor Gallagher has operated out wide, Archie Gray has been shifted from right wing-back to left wing-back and Porro started as the right-sided centre-back against Palace. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

This is not a left wing fantasy but centrist reality. —Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026

Brock Nelson had the puck on the left wing and tried to hit MacKinnon with a pass near the right post. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 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