wing

A2 · Elementary Countable noun aviation

n. the long, flat part on each side of a plane that keeps it in the air.

n. a rigid horizontal structure that provides aerodynamic lift for an aircraft.

“I prefer a window seat that is not directly over the wing.”

“Engineers redesigned the wing to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency during long-haul transoceanic flights.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a part of a large building that sticks out from the main middle part.

n. a lateral extension or subordinate part of a building, often designated by its direction or function.

“The new maternity wing of the hospital opened last month.”

“The library's west wing houses the rare manuscript collection and requires special security clearance for entry.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a group within a political party that has specific ideas, often different from the main group.

n. a faction or subgroup of a political movement, typically representing a specific ideological position.

“The liberal wing of the party disagreed with the new tax proposal.”

“The radical wing of the movement pushed for immediate legislative changes, contrasting with the more incremental approach of the central leadership.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a position or player on the far left or right side of the field in games like football.

n. a position or player located on the extreme flanks of the playing area in field sports.

“He plays on the left wing and is known for his incredible speed.”

“The coach instructed the wing to stay wide to stretch the opposing team's defensive line.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Theater

n. the areas at the sides of a stage where actors wait and cannot be seen by the audience.

n. the offstage spaces to the left and right of the acting area, typically concealed by curtains.

“The nervous actor stood in the wings, waiting for his cue to enter.”

“Stagehands were busy in the wings, preparing the heavy scenery for the rapid transition between the first and second acts.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. the part of a car body that goes over the wheels.

n. the panel of a vehicle that encloses the wheel well.

“There was a small dent in the front wing after the minor accident.”

“The restoration project was delayed because the mechanic couldn't source an original front wing for the 1960s sedan.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a specific section or block of a prison.

n. a distinct cellblock or residential unit within a correctional facility.

“He spent three years on C-wing before being moved to a lower-security prison.”

“Tensions rose in the high-security wing following the announcement of new restrictions on visitation hours.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to do something without preparing for it first.

v. to perform, speak, or act extemporaneously without prior preparation; often used in the phrase 'wing it'.

“I forgot my notes for the presentation, so I had to wing it.”

“Despite having no formal agenda, the CEO managed to wing the entire meeting, addressing each department's concerns with surprising precision.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to hit someone with a bullet or object in the arm or shoulder, but not kill them.

v. to wound someone non-fatally, specifically in the arm, shoulder, or wing.

“The bullet only winged him, so he was able to keep running.”

“The hunter's shot merely winged the bird, which managed to disappear into the thick underbrush before he could reach it.”