wings
B1Neutral, used across all registers from informal to formal.
Definition
Meaning
The paired limbs or appendages of a bird, insect, or bat that enable it to fly; the corresponding structures on an aircraft or vehicle that provide lift.
A part or section extending from the side of something; a flanking or side area of a building, stage, or sports field; a means of flight or escape, both literal and metaphorical; a group or faction within an organisation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a plural noun, rarely used in singular 'wing' for countable instances (e.g., a bird has two wings). The singular form can denote a specific side section.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In sports contexts, the positions 'right/left wing' are identical. 'Wings' as a bar snack (buffalo wings) is more prevalent in US menus but understood in UK.
Connotations
Slight cultural association: In UK political context, 'the wings' often refers to factions (left/right wing). In US, 'wings' has a stronger culinary association with chicken wings.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. The sports and aviation senses are equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The bird flapped its wingsShe took the young intern under her wingThe new policy gave wings to their ambitionsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take someone under your wing”
- “Clip someone's wings”
- “On a wing and a prayer”
- “Wait in the wings”
- “Spread your wings”
- “Give wings to”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to company divisions or factions ('the conservative wing of the board').
Academic
In biology: flight appendages. In architecture/design: side sections of a building.
Everyday
Most common: birds, insects, aeroplanes, chicken as food, sports positions.
Technical
Aerospace engineering: airfoils providing lift. Theatre: off-stage left/right areas.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The dove winged its way across the sky.
- He winged a pass to the striker.
American English
- She winged the ball toward the goal.
- The rumour winged through the office.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; found in compounds like 'wing-like'.)
American English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; found in compounds like 'wing-shaped'.)
adjective
British English
- A wing chair sat by the fireplace.
- He played as a wing forward.
American English
- They ordered some wing appetizers.
- The wing commander gave the orders.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Birds have two wings.
- The aeroplane has big white wings.
- I like to eat chicken wings.
- The butterfly opened its colourful wings.
- He plays on the left wing for his football team.
- The new building will have an east and a west wing.
- She felt ready to spread her wings and start her own business.
- The actor waited nervously in the wings before his entrance.
- The government's left wing opposes the new policy.
- The documentary gave wings to the conservation movement.
- His mentor took him under her wing during his first difficult year.
- The fighter jet's delta wings provide exceptional manoeuvrability.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird with two WiNGs. The 'W' looks like a bird in flight, the 'i' is its body, the 'NG' looks like two legs, and the 's' is the sound of wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINGS ARE FREEDOM/POTENTIAL (spread your wings, give wings to an idea); WINGS ARE PROTECTION/SUPPORT (take under one's wing).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'wings' (крылья) with 'winks' (подмигивания).
- In sports, 'wing' (крайний нападающий) is a position, not just a side of the field.
- The idiom 'on the wings of the wind' is poetic, not a technical description.
Common Mistakes
- Using singular 'wing' when referring to the pair (incorrect: 'The chicken wing is delicious' when referring to the dish of multiple pieces).
- Confusing 'wings' with 'feathers' (wings are the limbs, feathers are the covering).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'clip someone's wings', what does 'wings' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly, yes, when referring to the pair of limbs on a creature or an aircraft. The singular 'wing' is used for one side (e.g., the east wing, a chicken wing, the right wing of an army).
Wings are the entire limb structure used for flying. Feathers are the light, keratinous growths that cover a bird's wings and body. You say a bird 'has wings' and its wings 'are covered in feathers'.
Yes, informally, meaning to throw or propel something quickly ('he winged the paper ball'), or to travel swiftly ('the bullet winged past'). It can also mean to wound in the wing or arm.
It is an idiom from theatre, meaning to be ready and waiting for an opportunity to take action or replace someone, often without being noticed yet.