First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wink
verb \ˈwiŋk\
: to close and open one eye quickly as a signal to someone
: to close and open your eyes quickly
: to shine in an unsteady way
Full Definition of WINK
intransitive verb
1
: to shut one eye briefly as a signal or in teasing
2
: to close and open the eyelids quickly
3
: to avoid seeing or noting something —usually used with at
4
: to gleam or flash intermittently : twinkle <her glasses winking in the sunlight — Harper Lee>
5
a : to come to an end —usually used with out b : to stop shining —usually used with out
6
: to signal a message with a light
transitive verb
1
: to cause to open and shut
2
: to affect or influence by or as if by blinking the eyes
See wink defined for English-language learners
See wink defined for kids
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Origin of WINK
Middle English, from Old English wincian; akin to Old High German winchan to stagger, wink and perhaps to Latin vacillare to sway, Sanskrit vañcati he goes crookedly
Related to WINK
- Synonyms
- blink
2wink
noun
: an act of closing and opening one eye very quickly often as a way of giving a secret signal or private message to someone
: a very short amount of time
Full Definition of WINK
1
: a brief period of sleep : nap <catching a wink>
2
a : a hint or sign given by winking b : an act of winking
3
: the time of a wink : instant <quick as a wink>
4
: a flicker of the eyelids : blink
See wink defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WINK
14th century
WINKING Defined for Kids
1wink
verb \ˈwiŋk\
winkedwink·ing
Definition of WINK for Kids
1
: to close and open one eye quickly as a signal or hint
2
: to close and open the eyelids quickly : blink
2wink
noun
Definition of WINK for Kids
1
: a hint or sign given by closing and opening one eye quickly
2
: a brief period of sleep
3
: an act of closing and opening usually one eye quickly
4
: a very short time <I'll be back in a wink.>
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