¹wing

noun, often attributive \ˈwiŋ\

: a part of an animal's body that is used for flying or gliding

: the wing of a bird and especially a chicken eaten as food

: one of usually two long, flat parts of an airplane that extend from the sides and make it possible for the airplane to fly

Full Definition of WING

a : one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect is able to fly; also : such an appendage even though rudimentary if possessed by an animal belonging to a group characterized by the power of flight

b : any of various anatomical structures (as of a flying fish or flying lemur) providing means of limited flight

: an appendage or part resembling a wing in appearance, position, or function: as

a : a device worn under the arms to aid a person in swimming or staying afloat

b : ala

c : a turned-back or extended edge on an article of clothing

d : a sidepiece at the top of an armchair

e (1) : a foliaceous, membranous, or woody expansion of a plant especially along a stem or on a samara or capsule (2) : either of the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower

f : a vane of a windmill or arrow

g : sail

h : an airfoil that develops a major part of the lift which supports a heavier-than-air aircraft

i chiefly British : fender d

: a means of flight or rapid progress

: the act or manner of flying : flight <take wing>

: a side or outlying region or district

: a part or feature of a building usually projecting from and subordinate to the main or central part <the servants' wing>

a : one of the pieces of scenery at the side of a stage

b plural : the area at the side of the stage out of sight

a : a left or right section of an army or fleet : flank

b : one of the offensive positions or players on either side of a center position in certain team sports; also : flanker

a : either of two opposing groups within an organization or society : faction

b : a section of an organized body (as a legislative chamber) representing a group or faction holding distinct opinions or policies — compare left wing, right wing

a : a unit of the United States Air Force higher than a group and lower than a division

b : two or more squadrons of naval airplanes

: a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot

plural : insignia consisting of an outspread pair of stylized bird's wings which are awarded on completion of prescribed training to a qualified pilot, aircrew member, or military balloon pilot

— wingy \ˈwiŋ-ē\ adjective

— in the wings

: out of sight in the stage wings

: close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings>

— on the wing

: in flight : flying

: in motion

— under one's wing

: under one's protection : in one's care <took her under his wing>

See wing defined for English-language learners

See wing defined for kids