wingspan

noun

wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan How to pronounce wingspan (audio)
: the distance from the tip of one of a pair of wings to that of the other
also : span sense 2c

Examples of wingspan in a Sentence

The hawk has a wingspan of about three feet. a plane with a 200-foot wingspan
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With an 8-foot wingspan, the 27-pound Altius-600 was flown into a hurricane for the first time in 2022, when it was deployed into the eye of Ian. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 Breaststroke is leg-dominant, too, so guys with big upper bodies and wingspans benefit less. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024 Due to his 7 ‘6 wingspan, throwing lobs to him is much easier for the ball handlers. Mikai Bruce, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 These massive birds, with their wingspans stretching nearly 10 ft., play a crucial role in the ecosystem as scavengers, cleaning up carcasses that could carry disease and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Rebecca Shaw, TIME, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wingspan 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wingspan was circa 1917

Dictionary Entries Near wingspan

Cite this Entry

“Wingspan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wingspan. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

wingspan

noun
wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan How to pronounce wingspan (audio)
: the distance between the tips of a pair of wings (as of a bird or an airplane)

More from Merriam-Webster on wingspan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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