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

With so much open ice, Taylor Heise was able to send a long pass up the left wing for Keller, who took the puck into the center of the Canadian zone, eluded defender Claire Thompson, then bounced it in off Desbiens. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

With the sides playing 3-on-3, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. —John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

As someone who operates primarily on the left wing, that has given him the opportunity to work against Reece James. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

But these homegoing services are welcome to all; Democrat, Republican, Liberal, and Conservative, right wing, left wing, because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum. —Jermont Terry, CBS News, 18 Feb. 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