1wing 
/ˈwɪŋ/ noun
plural wings /ˈwɪŋ/ noun 1 [count] a : a part of an animal's body that is used for flying or gliding
▪ a bird's wing ▪ bat/insect wings — see picture at bird
b : the wing of a bird and especially a chicken eaten as food — often plural ▪ We ordered some wings. — see also buffalo wing 2 [count] : one of usually two long, flat parts of an airplane that extend from the sides and make it possible for the airplane to fly — see picture at airplane; see also water wings 3 [count] : a particular section of a large building
▪ In the library's north wing, you'll find the current periodicals. ▪ She works in the pediatric wing of the hospital. ▪ The guest room is in the east wing. 4 the wings : the areas on the sides of a stage where performers wait before going onto the stage
▪ She was standing in the wings, waiting for her cue. — often used figuratively ▪ The issue has been lurking/waiting in the wings [=it has been waiting to be dealt with] for several years. 5 [count] a : a particular part of a large organization or group
▪ The conservative wing of the party opposed the legislation. ▪ the political wing of the organization
b : a group of military airplanes
▪ the 107th Fighter Wing 6 [count] sports : a person who plays on the offense in a position that is towards the sides of the playing area in sports like hockey and soccer
▪ The left/right wing passed the ball to the center. —called also winger 7 [count] Brit : fender 1
▪ a bird's wing ▪ bat/insect wings — see picture at bird
b : the wing of a bird and especially a chicken eaten as food — often plural ▪ We ordered some wings. — see also buffalo wing
▪ In the library's north wing, you'll find the current periodicals. ▪ She works in the pediatric wing of the hospital. ▪ The guest room is in the east wing.
▪ She was standing in the wings, waiting for her cue. — often used figuratively ▪ The issue has been lurking/waiting in the wings [=it has been waiting to be dealt with] for several years.
▪ The conservative wing of the party opposed the legislation. ▪ the political wing of the organization
b : a group of military airplanes
▪ the 107th Fighter Wing
▪ The left/right wing passed the ball to the center. —called also winger
clip someone's wings
: to limit someone's ability to do or say things
▪ They clipped his wings by withholding funding for his projects.
▪ They clipped his wings by withholding funding for his projects.
get your wings
chiefly US, informal 1 : to officially become a pilot : to receive the license that allows you to fly an airplane, helicopter, etc.
▪ The pilots all got their wings at the end of training. 2 : to gain experience in something
▪ He got his wings as a volunteer by doing work in a soup kitchen.
▪ The pilots all got their wings at the end of training.
▪ He got his wings as a volunteer by doing work in a soup kitchen.
on a wing and a prayer
informal : without much chance of success
▪ She took the job on a wing and a prayer.
▪ She took the job on a wing and a prayer.
on the wing
: in flight
▪ The birds were on the wing. [=were flying]
▪ The birds were on the wing. [=were flying]
spread your wings
: to become more independent and confident : to try doing new things
▪ He's known as a comic actor, but he's spreading his wings and trying a serious role in his new movie. ▪ College gave her a chance to spread her wings.
▪ He's known as a comic actor, but he's spreading his wings and trying a serious role in his new movie. ▪ College gave her a chance to spread her wings.
take (someone) under your wing
: to help, teach, or take care of (someone who is younger or has less experience than you)
▪ He took the rookie pitcher under his wing. ▪ She took me under her wing and showed me how things were done.
▪ He took the rookie pitcher under his wing. ▪ She took me under her wing and showed me how things were done.
take wing
: to begin to fly
▪ The ducks took wing and flew away. — often used figuratively ▪ Let your imagination take wing and explore the possibilities.
▪ The ducks took wing and flew away. — often used figuratively ▪ Let your imagination take wing and explore the possibilities.
— wing·like /ˈwɪŋˌlaɪk/ adjective [more winglike; most winglike]
▪ an animal with winglike appendages
/ˈwɪŋˌlaɪk/ adjective [more winglike; most winglike] ▪ an animal with winglike appendages
