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:

Antonyms:
base
headquarters

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

Synonyms:

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

Other Word Forms of Wing

Noun

Singular:

wing

Plural:

wings

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