Wing Definition
wĭng
winging, wings
noun
wings
Either of the two feathered forelimbs of a bird, fully developed for flying (as in most birds), or insufficiently developed for flight and used for balance in running, etc. (as in chickens or ostriches) or for swimming (as in penguins or some ducks)
Webster's New World
Either of the paired organs of flight of a bat, the lifting surface of which is formed by the membranous skin connecting the long, modified digits.
Webster's New World
Either of the paired organs of flight of an insect, light membranous structures that are lateral outgrowths of the thorax supported by a network of veins.
Webster's New World
Any of various winglike structures used by certain animals for gliding movements, as the patagium of flying squirrels or the enlarged pectoral fins of flyingfish.
Webster's New World
In art, mythology, etc., either of a pair of winglike structures associated with or attributed to gods, angels, demons, dragons, etc., or used as a symbol of speed or the like.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
verb
winging, wings
To go swiftly on or as on wings; fly.
Webster's New World
To cause to fly or speed as on wings.
To wing an arrow at a target.
Webster's New World
To provide with wings.
Webster's New World
To pass through or over by or as if by flying.
Webster's New World
To make (one's way) by flying.
Webster's New World
idiom
give wing to
- To provide the impetus for or enable (something):
a mentor who gave wing to my career.
- To free from constraints or allow to operate freely:
a poet who gave wing to her imagination.
American Heritage
in the wings
- In the stage wings, unseen by the audience.
- Close by in the background; available at short notice:
a presidential candidate waiting in the wings.
American Heritage
on the wing
- In flight; flying.
American Heritage
take wing
- To fly off; soar away.
- To make progress or have success, especially in a sudden or dramatic manner:
when her career took wing.
American Heritage
under (one's) wing
- Under one's protection; in one's care.
American Heritage
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Wing
- give wing to
- in the wings
- on the wing
- take wing
- under (one's) wing
- wing it
- clip someone's wings
- give wing to
- on the wing
- spread one's wings
- take wing
- under one's wing
- waiting in the wings
- wing it
Origin of Wing
-
Middle English wenge, winge of Scandinavian origin wē- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old Norse vængr.
From Wiktionary
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