red wing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal (biological), informal/technical (brand/fandom)
Quick answer
What does “red wing” mean?
A small migratory thrush native to Europe and Asia, with distinctive reddish-orange patches under its wings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small migratory thrush native to Europe and Asia, with distinctive reddish-orange patches under its wings.
A popular North American brand of workwear, most famously boots; a sports team nickname, as in the NHL's Detroit Red Wings; a general descriptive term for a bird or entity with red coloration on its wings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK, primarily refers to the bird (Turdus iliacus). In US, more commonly recognized as a boot brand or hockey team.
Connotations
UK: Nature/wildlife. US: Durability, heritage, industrial work (boots); ice hockey excellence (team).
Frequency
Much more frequent in US English due to the cultural prominence of the brand and sports team.
Grammar
How to Use “red wing” in a Sentence
The [noun] has red wings.He supports the Red Wings.She wore her Red Wings.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red wing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The redwing thrush is a winter visitor.
- A redwing flock descended on the berry bushes.
American English
- He wore his redwing boots on the job site.
- The Red Wing franchise has a storied history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the Red Wing Shoe Company, a manufacturer of footwear.
Academic
Used in ornithology to describe the species Turdus iliacus.
Everyday
Likely refers to the boots or the hockey team in North America; the bird in the UK.
Technical
In ornithology: a specific bird species. In merchandising: a specific brand of safety/work boots.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red wing”
- Writing as two words 'red wing' when referring to the bird or brand (should be 'redwing' or 'Red Wing').
- Confusing the redwing bird with the unrelated but similarly named 'red-winged blackbird' (a North American species).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the bird, it is a closed compound: 'redwing' (one word). For the brand and hockey team, it is a proper noun: 'Red Wing' (two words, capitalized).
They are completely different species. The redwing (Turdus iliacus) is a thrush found in Europe/Asia. The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a smaller, more aggressive bird common in North American wetlands.
While originally designed for rugged work (mining, farming), many Red Wing styles are now popular as fashion or heritage footwear due to their durability and classic design.
The name and logo were inspired by the owner's fondness for a Canadian military athletic team called the 'Winged Wheelers,' incorporating a wheel and wing motif symbolic of Detroit's automotive industry.
A small migratory thrush native to Europe and Asia, with distinctive reddish-orange patches under its wings.
Red wing is usually formal (biological), informal/technical (brand/fandom) in register.
Red wing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdwɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdwɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put on your red wings. (A playful, brand-specific encouragement to get to work.)”
- “Flying with the Red Wings. (Referring to supporting or playing for the Detroit team.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The bird shows a flash of RED under its WING when it flies.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARD WORK/ENDURANCE (from the boot brand), TEAM SPIRIT/SPEED (from the hockey team).
Practice
Quiz
In an American context, what is the most common association of the term 'Red Wing'?