winglet

noun wing·let \ ˈwiŋ-lət \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of winglet

: a small wing; also : a nearly vertical airfoil at an airplane's wingtip that reduces drag by inhibiting turbulence

Recent Examples of winglet from the Web

Not everyone will have the same size concha, of course, but OnePlus also bundles large and small tips and winglets.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "OnePlus Bullets Wireless review: exceeding expectations," 21 May 2018
Even cruise missiles such as the American Tomahawk or Russian Kalibr have small winglets that should be visible, and other missiles such as the Maverick anti-tank missile have stubby fins.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Video Shows U.S. Navy Run-in With UFO," 13 Mar. 2018
The front splitter, the hood scoop, the fender vents, the aero vanes up on the roof (that actually channel air over the wing), the winglets, the triple-tip exhaust, and the red pinstriped wheels make the Type R seem like a life-sized shout for help.

— jim resnick, Ars Technica, "America finally gets Honda’s best: The 2018 Civic Type R," 22 Jan. 2018
The Max 9 features Boeing's Advanced Technology winglets and fuel efficient engines to provide a quieter ride and the ability to fly farther on less fuel, according to a news release.

— andrea rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, "United to fly Boeing 737 Max 9 from Houston," 19 Feb. 2018
Glenn is developing an alloy of nickel, titanium and hafnium to manipulate flaps, winglets, rudders and other parts in air and space.

— grant segall, cleveland.com, "Dishwasher returns to hotel as NASA Glenn researcher getting prestigious science award (photos)," 8 Dec. 2017
The trio is developing alloys to manipulate rudders, winglets and other parts of aircrafts and spaceships.

— grant segall, cleveland.com, "Dishwasher returns to hotel as NASA Glenn researcher getting prestigious science award (photos)," 8 Dec. 2017
Designers enlarged the lower brake cooling ducts, angled them away from the rear wheels, and added winglets.

— clifford atiyeh, Car and Driver, "Racing Redemption: Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Evo Race Car," 21 Sep. 2017
A winglet increases a car’s downforce, which makes the car safer.

— gregg doyel, USA TODAY Sports, "Column: Ed Carpenter, Sebastien Bourdais prove it takes more than skill to push limits in Indianapolis 500 qualifying," 21 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'winglet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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