wing
wing Lexical Profile
wing Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A movable anatomical appendage used for flying, typically found in pairs on the bodies of birds, bats, and insects.
"The eagle spread its enormous wings and glided effortlessly on the thermal currents."
A rigid horizontal structure that projects from both sides of the fuselage of an aircraft to provide aerodynamic lift.
"During the turbulent flight, passengers watched the airplane wing flex and bend."
A distinct section, specialized annex, or subordinate faction of a larger building, institution, or organization.
"The hospital recently opened a new pediatric wing to accommodate the growing population of the city."
• verb
To travel, fly, or transport through the air by means of wings.
"The migrating geese wing their way southward every autumn to escape the freezing winter."
To perform, speak, or act without prior preparation or rehearsal (often used in the phrase 'wing it').
"Having lost his presentation notes, the speaker was forced to wing his entire keynote address."
To injure someone or something slightly, typically by shooting a non-vital appendage.
"The hunter only managed to wing the pheasant, allowing it to escape into the thick underbrush."
• Rhymes for wing
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'winge', which was borrowed from Old Norse 'vængr', meaning 'wing'. It replaced the native Old English word 'feðer' in this context.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.