Wing
UK /["/wɪŋ/"]/US /["/wɪŋ/"]/
Definition
one of the parts of the body of a bird, insect or bat that it uses for flying
In simple words: A part of a bird or airplane that helps it fly.
Examples
- The eagle spread its wing and soared high above the mountains.
- She has a tattoo of a wing on her back that symbolizes freedom.
- The airplane's wing helped it lift off the ground smoothly.
- We decided to take a short walk along the wing of the building to enjoy the view.
- In some cultures, a wing represents protection or a guardian spirit.
- The politician belongs to the left wing of the party, advocating for social reforms.
- The child's imagination took wing as he listened to the bedtime story.
- She decided to wing it during the presentation instead of using notes.
Usage notes
Use 'wing' when discussing birds, planes, or metaphors related to flight. It's not suitable for non-flying objects unless used in a figurative way.
Grammar pattern
wing + object
Memory hint
Think of 'wing' as 'winging it' — letting your imagination take flight.
Collocations
- left
- right
- front
- pair
- extend
- flex
- open
- beat
- flap
- flutter
- tip
- feathers
- span
- on a/the wing
- under a/the wing
- aircraft
- left
- port
- tip
- north
- south
- etc.
- add
- build
- in a/the wing
- nearside
- offside
- front
- damage
- dent
- mend
- mirror
- in a/the wing
- left
- right
- conservative
- on a/the wing
Synonyms
- flap
- appendage
- fan
- aerofoil
Antonyms
- body
- center
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'wing' with 'winged' when describing things.
- Using 'wing' as a verb incorrectly.
- Forgetting to pluralize 'wing' when referring to multiple wings.