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.
That and a seven-foot wingspan also come in handy defensively and on the boards. Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 With a staggering, nearly 7-foot-7-inch wingspan and mobility to keep up with guards, Maluach, 18, has the ceiling to be an elite defensive player at the professional level. Logan Holland, People.com, 26 June 2025 Coward is long, with a 6-5 frame and stunning 7-2 wingspan, and can shoot the ball effortlessly and efficiently. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 June 2025 The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year possesses exceptional rim protection (2.7 blocks per game) and can disrupt offenses with his 9-4 standing reach and 7-6 wingspan. Janis Carr, Oc Register, 24 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Wingspan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wingspan. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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