# wings

/ˈwɪŋz/ (US) · /wˈɪŋz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wings
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. parts for flying

noun · CEFR A1

the parts of a bird, insect, or airplane that allow it to fly.

For teachers: the paired appendages or lateral structures used by birds, insects, and aircraft to generate lift for flight.

- The eagle spread its massive wings and soared high above the valley.
- The aircraft's wings were engineered with a slight sweep to reduce drag while maintaining stability at high cruising altitudes.

### 2. theatre

noun · CEFR B2

the areas at the sides of a stage where actors wait to go on.

For teachers: the off-stage spaces to the left and right of the acting area, typically hidden from the audience's view by curtains.

- The nervous actor waited in the wings for his cue to enter.
- Stagehands hurried through the wings, repositioning heavy props during the brief blackout between the first and second acts.

### 3. building sections

noun · CEFR B1

parts of a large building that stick out from the main middle part.

For teachers: lateral extensions or subordinate sections of a large building, often designated by their direction or purpose.

- The hospital added two new wings to provide more space for patients.
- The west wing of the palace houses the royal library and several private galleries that are rarely open to the public.

### 4. food

noun · CEFR A2

the wings of a chicken cooked as a snack or meal.

For teachers: the forelimbs of a chicken, typically served fried or roasted as a popular appetiser.

- We ordered a large plate of spicy buffalo wings to share.
- The chef marinated the wings in a blend of honey and soy sauce before grilling them to a crisp finish.

## Examples

- The bird spread its wings and flew away.
- The pilot checked the wings for ice before the plane took off into the storm.
- The architect designed two symmetrical wings to house the museum's growing collection of modern art, ensuring that the central atrium remained the focal point of the building.

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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.