wing / wing/ • n. 1. any of a number of specialized paired appendages that enable some animals to fly, in particular: ∎  (in a bird) a modified forelimb that bears large feathers. ∎  (in a bat or pterosaur) a modified forelimb with skin stretched between or behind the fingers. ∎  (in most insects) each of two or four flat extensions of the thoracic cuticle, either transparent or covered in scales. ∎  the meat on the wing bone of a bird used as food. ∎  (usu. wings) fig. power or means of flight or rapid motion: time flies by on wings.2. a rigid horizontal structure that projects from both sides of an aircraft and supports it in the air. ∎  (wings) a pilot's certificate of ability to fly a plane, indicated by a badge representing a pair of wings: Michael earned his wings as a commercial pilot.3. a part that projects, in particular: ∎  Brit. a raised part of the body of a car or other vehicle above the wheel. ∎  a part of a large building, esp. one that projects from the main part: the maternity wing at South Cleveland Hospital. ∎  either end (port or starboard) of a ship’s navigational bridge. ∎ Anat. a lateral part or projection of an organ or structure. ∎  Bot. a thin membranous appendage of a fruit or seed that is dispersed by the wind.4. a group within a political party or other organization that holds particular views or has a particular function: Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA.5. a side area, or a person or activity associated with that area, in particular: ∎  (the wings) the sides of a theater stage out of view of the audience. ∎  (in soccer, rugby, and other games) the part of the field close to the sidelines. ∎  (in soccer, ice hockey, and other games) an attacking player who plays mostly forward close to one side of the field or rink. ∎  a flank of a battle array.6. an air force unit of several squadrons or groups.• v. 1. [intr.] travel on wings or by aircraft; fly: a bird came winging around the corner. ∎  move, travel, or be sent quickly, as if flying: the prize will be winging its way to you soon. ∎  [tr.] throw with the arm: he scooped up the ball and winged it toward Freddie. ∎  [tr.] send or convey (something) quickly, as if by air: just jot down the title on a postcard and wing it to us. ∎  [tr.] archaic enable (someone or something) to fly or move rapidly: the convent was at some distance, but fear would wing her steps.2. [tr.] shoot (a bird) in the wing, so as to prevent flight without causing death: one bird was winged for every bird killed. ∎  wound (someone) superficially, esp. in the arm or shoulder.3. (wing it) inf. speak or act without preparation; improvise: a little boning up puts you ahead of the job seekers who try to wing it.PHRASES: in the wings ready to do something or to be used at the appropriate time: there are no obvious successors waiting in the wings.on the wing (of a bird) in flight.on a wing and a prayer with only the slightest chance of success.spread (or stretch or try) one's wings extend one's activities and interests or start new ones.take wing (of a bird, insect, or other winged creature) fly away.under one's wing in or into one's protective care.DERIVATIVES: wing·less adj.wing·like / -ˌlīk/ adj.ORIGIN: Middle English (originally in the plural): from Old Norse vængir, plural of vængr.