# wing /ˈwɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈɪŋ/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wing Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. animal anatomy noun · CEFR A1 one of the parts of a bird, insect, or bat that it uses for flying. For teachers: an appendage of an animal's body, such as a bird, bat, or insect, that enables flight. - The eagle spread its massive wings and soared high above the valley. - The butterfly's wings were covered in microscopic scales that reflected a brilliant iridescent blue when caught by the sunlight. ### 2. aircraft part noun · CEFR A2 the long, flat part on each side of a plane that keeps it in the air. For teachers: 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. ### 3. building section noun · CEFR B1 a part of a large building that sticks out from the main middle part. For teachers: 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. ### 4. political group noun · CEFR B2 a group within a political party that has specific ideas, often different from the main group. For teachers: 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. ### 5. sports position noun · CEFR B1 a position or player on the far left or right side of the field in games like football. For teachers: 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. ### 6. theatre side area noun · CEFR B2 the areas at the sides of a stage where actors wait and cannot be seen by the audience. For teachers: 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. ### 7. car panel noun · CEFR B2 · British English the part of a car body that goes over the wheels. For teachers: 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. ### 8. prison section noun · CEFR C1 · Informal a specific section or block of a prison. For teachers: 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. ### 9. to improvise verb · CEFR B2 · Informal to do something without preparing for it first. For teachers: 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. Usage: Commonly used as the phrasal verb 'wing it'. ### 10. to wound verb · CEFR C1 · Literary to hit someone with a bullet or object in the arm or shoulder, but not kill them. For teachers: 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. ## Examples - The bird spread its wings and flew away. - The hospital recently opened a new wing dedicated entirely to children's health and emergency care. - While the aircraft's fuselage remained intact after the landing, the left wing sustained significant structural damage that required specialized repairs before it could be cleared for flight. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.