Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • The paired, movable organs of flight in birds, insects, bats, and some other animals. This is the primary biological definition.
   • A means of flight or ascent; a metaphorical device or force that enables progress or elevation. This is a figurative extension of the primary meaning.
   • Stylized bird wings worn as an insignia by qualified pilots or air crew members. This is a specific, symbolic use denoting qualification and membership.
   • The sides of a stage, concealed from the audience by curtains or scenery, where actors wait and stagehands work. This is a specialized theatrical term.
   • A part of a building, vehicle, or structure that projects from a central or main section. This describes an architectural or structural feature.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Biological):
  • The eagle spread its powerful wings and soared into the sky.
  • Butterflies have delicate, colorful wings.
• Noun (Figurative - Means of Ascent):
  • Her ambition gave wings to her dreams.
  • The new technology provided wings to the company's growth.
• Noun (Insignia):
  • After completing flight school, he proudly received his wings.
• Noun (Theatre):
  • The actor waited nervously in the wings for his cue to enter.
• Noun (Architectural):
  • The hospital added a new wings for pediatric care.

Advanced Usage

• "to be waiting in the wings": To be ready and available to take over a role or opportunity when it arises.
  • A younger successor is waiting in the wings to take over the company.
• "to clip someone's wings": To restrict someone's freedom or power.
  • The new regulations clipped the wings of the financial industry.
• "to take wings": To fly away; to depart quickly or to become successful and spread rapidly (of an idea, rumor, etc.).
  • The rumor took wings and spread throughout the town.
• "on a wing and a prayer": With only a slight chance of success, relying on hope more than preparation.
  • We launched the project on a wing and a prayer, but it succeeded.

Variants and Related Words

• Winged (adj): Having wings.
  • Winged insects.
• Wingless (adj): Lacking wings.
  • Some ant species are wingless.
• Wingtip (n): The farthest point of a wing; also a style of shoe.
• Wingspan (n): The distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other when fully extended.

Synonyms

• Pinions (n): The outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers (more literary/poetic).
• Appendages (n): A more general biological term for projecting parts.
• Flanks (n): For the theatrical or architectural sense (sides).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Compounds

• Wing it (informal verb phrase): To improvise or do something without preparation.
  • I didn't have time to prepare the speech, so I'll just have to wing it.
• Left-wing / Right-wing (adj/noun): Political terms describing the spectrum from radical/progressive (left) to conservative/traditionalist (right).
  • The party's left-wing faction proposed the new policy.

Related Idioms

• Under one's wing: Under one's protection, guidance, or tutelage.
  • The senior manager took the new recruit under her wing.
• Spread one's wings: To become more independent and try new experiences.
  • She moved abroad to spread her wings and start a new career.
• Necessity lends wings to inspiration: A proverb meaning that a pressing need can make one's creative thoughts or actions much faster and more effective.

Noun

1. stylized bird wings worn as an insignia by qualified pilots or air crew members
2. a means of flight or ascent
   • necessity lends wings to inspiration