intransitive verb

1. to close the eyelids and open them again quickly
2. 1. to close one eyelid and open it again quickly, as a signal, etc.
   2. to be closed and opened in this way: said of the eye
3. to shine intermittently; twinkle

Etymology: ME winken < OE wincian, akin to Ger winken: see winch

transitive verb

1. to make (the eyes or an eye) wink
2. to move, remove, etc. by winking: usually with back or away to wink back tears
3. to signal or express by winking

noun

1. the act of winking
2. 1. the time occupied by this; an instant
   2. a tiny interval (of sleep)
3. a signal, hint, etc. given by winking
4. a twinkle or twinkling