wingspan

noun

wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan 

: 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

Teammates have also implored Ware to be better, understanding his intriguing potential as an athletic 7-footer with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and the ability to knock down threes. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

Deneb’s the tail of the Swan, Albireo’s the head, and the crosspiece becomes the major section of its wingspan. —Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 2025

Bald eagles are predatory birds that can stand up to 3 feet tall and have a wingspan stretching more than 8 feet. —Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Females may have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can weigh as much as 14 pounds, while male eagles may have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and weigh in at 10 pounds. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1917, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wingspan

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman

Kids Definition

wingspan

noun

wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan 

: the distance between the tips of a pair of wings (as of a bird or an airplane)