Definition of wing
1 a
:one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect is able to fly;
also
:such an appendage even though rudimentary if possessed by an animal belonging to a group characterized by the power of flight
b
:any of various anatomical structures (as of a flying fish or flying lemur) providing means of limited flight
2
:an appendage or part resembling a wing in appearance, position, or function: such as
a
:a device worn under the arms to aid a person in swimming or staying afloat
b
:ala
c
:a turned-back or extended edge on an article of clothing
d
:a sidepiece at the top of an armchair
e (1)
:a foliaceous, membranous, or woody expansion of a plant especially along a stem or on a samara or capsule
(2)
:either of the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower
f
:a vane of a windmill or arrow
g
:sail
h
:an airfoil that develops a major part of the lift which supports a heavier-than-air aircraft
3
:a means of flight or rapid progress
4
:the act or manner of flying :flight
- take wing
5
:a side or outlying region or district
6
:a part or feature of a building usually projecting from and subordinate to the main or central part
- the servants' wing
7 a
:one of the pieces of scenery at the side of a stage
b
wings plural
:the area at the side of the stage out of sight
8 a
:a left or right section of an army or fleet :flank
b
:one of the offensive positions or players on either side of a center position in certain team sports;
also
:flanker
9 a
:either of two opposing groups within an organization or society :faction
b
:a section of an organized body (such as a legislative chamber) representing a group or faction holding distinct opinions or policies — compare left wing, right wing
10 a
:a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a group and lower than a division
b
:two or more squadrons of naval airplanes
11
:a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot
12
wings plural
:insignia consisting of an outspread pair of stylized bird's wings which are awarded on completion of prescribed training to a qualified pilot, aircrew member, or military balloon pilot
—
in the wings
1
:out of sight in the stage wings
2
:close at hand in the background :readily available
- had a plan waiting in the wings
—
under one's wing
:under one's protection :in one's care
- took her under his wing
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