plural wings
1
a
: a part of an animal's body that is used for flying or gliding
a bird's wing
bat/insect wings
b
: the wing of a bird and especially a chicken eaten as food
—often plural
We ordered some wings.
2
: one of usually two long, flat parts of an airplane that extend from the sides and make it possible for the airplane to fly
3
: a particular section of a large building
In the library's north wing, you'll find the current periodicals.
She works in the pediatric wing of the hospital.
The guest room is in the east wing.
4
: the areas on the sides of a stage where performers wait before going onto the stage
She was standing in the wings, waiting for her cue.
—often used figurativelyThe issue has been lurking/waiting in the wings [=it has been waiting to be dealt with] for several years.
5
a
: a particular part of a large organization or group
The conservative wing of the party opposed the legislation.
the political wing of the organization
b
: a group of military airplanes
the 107th Fighter Wing
6
sports
: a person who plays on the offense in a position that is towards the sides of the playing area in sports like hockey and soccer
The left/right wing passed the ball to the center.
called also winger
7
British
: fender sense 1
wings; winged; winging
1
: to travel to a place by flying there
The team winged to Moscow for the finals.
winging across the country
She winged her way to Paris [=she flew to Paris] for the weekend.
2
US, informal
: to throw (something) forcefully
She winged the ball over to first base.
3
US, informal
: to touch or hit (someone or something) especially in the arm or wing while moving past : graze
The soldier was winged by a stray bullet.
Cite this Entry
“Wing.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/wing. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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