Wing meaning in English
Learn how to use Wing correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
a wing: a movable organ or object used for flying; birds, insects and airplanes have two wings
the penguin has wings, but it can't fly
the plane's wing broke as it fell into the sea
In the figurative sense:
a left-wing candidate a liberal candidate
a right-wing newspaper a conservative newspaper
Examples
- "The solar panels are mounted on the wings."
- "Sorry about the barbecue sauce on her wings."
- "Her heavenly wings reached out from the TV and stole my heart."
- "1 x bucket chicken wings"
- "No pigeons were harmed in the making of this film, although there are those who say they're pests, rats with wings."
Exercise 1
Philip mentions an ostrich, which is a type of large bird native to Africa.
Let's learn more about birds, shall we?
Birds have two , which extend from the body and allow most of them to fly. Airplanes also have them, though they don't move up and down. Hint: Although the ostrich has two of them, it still can't fly.
The of a bird extends from its head and is used for eating and striking, manipulating objects, etc. It is also a slang term for the human nose.
A bird's plumage is made up of , which are closely arranged on the bird's body. These are sometimes used for old-fashioned pens. We can also find them on arrows and on hats.
Note: Not all of these terms were used in this dialogue
Let's learn more about birds, shall we?
Birds have two , which extend from the body and allow most of them to fly. Airplanes also have them, though they don't move up and down. Hint: Although the ostrich has two of them, it still can't fly.
The of a bird extends from its head and is used for eating and striking, manipulating objects, etc. It is also a slang term for the human nose.
A bird's plumage is made up of , which are closely arranged on the bird's body. These are sometimes used for old-fashioned pens. We can also find them on arrows and on hats.
Note: Not all of these terms were used in this dialogue
Philip mentions an ostrich, which is a type of large bird native to Africa.
Let's learn more about birds, shall we?
Birds have two wings 1, which extend from the body and allow most of them to fly. Airplanes also have them, though they don't move up and down. Hint: Although the ostrich has two of them, it still can't fly.
The beak 2 of a bird extends from its head and is used for eating and striking, manipulating objects, etc. It is also a slang term for the human nose.
A bird's plumage is made up of feathers 3, which are closely arranged on the bird's body. These are sometimes used for old-fashioned pens. We can also find them on arrows and on hats.
Note: Not all of these terms were used in this dialogue
Let's learn more about birds, shall we?
Birds have two wings 1, which extend from the body and allow most of them to fly. Airplanes also have them, though they don't move up and down. Hint: Although the ostrich has two of them, it still can't fly.
The beak 2 of a bird extends from its head and is used for eating and striking, manipulating objects, etc. It is also a slang term for the human nose.
A bird's plumage is made up of feathers 3, which are closely arranged on the bird's body. These are sometimes used for old-fashioned pens. We can also find them on arrows and on hats.
Note: Not all of these terms were used in this dialogue
1 wings: "A wing" is the moveable appendage which most birds use for flying. We also use the term to refer to the "wings" of airplanes and other aircraft, or even to refer to extensions or areas within a building (the West wing of the White House for example). The ostrich has a pair of wings which are mostly for show in mating rituals and to frighten predators. They are vestigial limbs and don't grant the birds the gift of flight. What a shame! To learn more about the ostrich, visit your local aviary or zoo or consult an ornithologist.
2 beak: A "beak" is the mouth-like part of a bird's face. The beak is used for eating, killing prey, feeding young, etc. The "beak" can also be used to refer to a human nose, especially when the nose is long or shaped like a beak. In this conversation, Philip believes he sees a bird in one of Donna's inkblot cards, but then says that it is actually a woman with a sharp nose (which reminded him of a bird's beak).
3 feathers: "Feathers" make up the plumage of a bird. They are epidermal growths which emerge from the bird's body. Feathers are the distinguishing feature of birds and set them apart from all other classes of animal. Although not all birds can fly, the hollow structure of feathers permits some birds to stay in the air while flapping their wings.
Exercise 2
How much do you know about birds?
Fill in the blanks with the following bird-related words. No term is used more than once, and some terms may not be used at all.
eggs | nests | flies | beaks | wings | feathers
Birds have 2 that allow them to fly, these are situated on either side of the bird and move up and down. The bird's plumage is made up of , these are light coloured shafts that are situated all over the bird's body. Birds have which allow them to do lots of things such as eat, kill prey, find food, feed their young, and clean themselves. Birds make for their young, these are structures usually made of organic material such as small pieces of wood, grass, and leaves.
Fill in the blanks with the following bird-related words. No term is used more than once, and some terms may not be used at all.
eggs | nests | flies | beaks | wings | feathers
Birds have 2 that allow them to fly, these are situated on either side of the bird and move up and down. The bird's plumage is made up of , these are light coloured shafts that are situated all over the bird's body. Birds have which allow them to do lots of things such as eat, kill prey, find food, feed their young, and clean themselves. Birds make for their young, these are structures usually made of organic material such as small pieces of wood, grass, and leaves.
How much do you know about birds?
Fill in the blanks with the following bird-related words. No term is used more than once, and some terms may not be used at all.
eggs | nests | flies | beaks | wings | feathers
Birds have 2 wings 1 that allow them to fly, these are situated on either side of the bird and move up and down. The bird's plumage is made up of feathers 2, these are light coloured shafts that are situated all over the bird's body. Birds have beaks 3 which allow them to do lots of things such as eat, kill prey, find food, feed their young, and clean themselves. Birds make nests 4 for their young, these are structures usually made of organic material such as small pieces of wood, grass, and leaves.
Fill in the blanks with the following bird-related words. No term is used more than once, and some terms may not be used at all.
eggs | nests | flies | beaks | wings | feathers
Birds have 2 wings 1 that allow them to fly, these are situated on either side of the bird and move up and down. The bird's plumage is made up of feathers 2, these are light coloured shafts that are situated all over the bird's body. Birds have beaks 3 which allow them to do lots of things such as eat, kill prey, find food, feed their young, and clean themselves. Birds make nests 4 for their young, these are structures usually made of organic material such as small pieces of wood, grass, and leaves.
1 wings: A "wing" is the moveable appendage which most birds use for flying. Airplanes also have "wings" although these shouldn't really move. The term even refers to extensions or areas within a building (the West Wing of the White House for example).
2 feathers: "Feathers" make up the plumage of a bird. Feathers are the distinguishing feature of birds and set them apart from all other classes of animal. Although not all birds can fly, the hollow structure of feathers permits some birds to stay in the air while flapping their wings. Feathers also help to keep off water from the bird's body (they are waterproof). In the audio, Jean says that "we take Alouette and remove her feathers one by one."
3 beaks: A "beak" is the mouth-like part of a bird's face. The beak is used for eating, killing prey, feeding young, etc. The "beak" can also be used to refer to a human nose, especially when the nose is long or shaped like a beak. In this audio, Jean says that his song describes removing the bird's beak.
4 nests: A "nest" is literally a mix of twigs (small pieces of wood), grass or leaves and is used by birds to lay, and warm eggs until they hatch. Young birds will stay in the nest until they are strong enough to fly and feed themselves.
Exercise 3
In the phrase, "a native Indonesian dance performed in the aisles by Indonesian stewardesses", what is the meaning of "aisles"?
In the phrase, "a native Indonesian dance performed in the aisles by Indonesian stewardesses", what is the meaning of "aisles"?
An "aisle" is a "corridor". We often talk about the aisles on planes and trains, and in theaters. At an airport check-in, you may be asked if you want an "aisle" seat or a "window" seat.
"Clouds" is not a synonym for aisle. Clouds are the white fluffy things in the sky that contain rain water and that like to stay over Great Britain.
"Nude" is not a synonym for aisle, although it would be nice to see stewardesses dancing in the nude on some flights.
"Wings" is not a synonym for aisle. Birds and airplanes have wings, but stewardesses would never usually dance on them.
Exercise 4
"The gallery is a striking piece of modern architecture."
In this context, "striking" is synonymous with "".
"The three-storey building will primarily serve as an exhibition space."
A "three-storey" building has three .
"The company... that moves forward at a steady pace."
A "steady (pace)" refers to a/an speed.
In this context, "striking" is synonymous with "".
"The three-storey building will primarily serve as an exhibition space."
A "three-storey" building has three .
"The company... that moves forward at a steady pace."
A "steady (pace)" refers to a/an speed.
"The gallery is a striking piece of modern architecture."
In this context, "striking" is synonymous with "remarkable 1".
"The three-storey building will primarily serve as an exhibition space."
A "three-storey" building has three floors 2.
"The company... that moves forward at a steady pace."
A "steady (pace)" refers to a/an regular 3 speed.
In this context, "striking" is synonymous with "remarkable 1".
"The three-storey building will primarily serve as an exhibition space."
A "three-storey" building has three floors 2.
"The company... that moves forward at a steady pace."
A "steady (pace)" refers to a/an regular 3 speed.
1 remarkable: This is the correct answer. As an adjective, "striking" shares a similar meaning with "noteworthy" or "remarkable". Example: Could you give me some sunglasses, that pink shirt you are wearing is very striking. Someone who has "striking looks" is considered to be beautiful or handsome.
1 expensive: This is incorrect. "Striking" does not share the same meaning as expensive. Lindsay thinks that the building has a noticeable design, she does not mention how much it costs.
1 large: This is incorrect. "Striking" does not share the same meaning as large. Lindsay thinks that the building has a noticeable design, not an large one.
1 original: This is incorrect. "Striking" does not share the same meaning as original. Lindsay thinks that the building has a notable design, but not necessarily an original one.
2 floors: This is the correct answer. A "story (of a building)", or "storey" in British English, is synonymous with "floor" or "level". Lindsay says that the building has three floors. Other example: My flat is situated on the top storey, I can see the whole city.
2 wings: This is incorrect. In architecture, the "wing (of a building)" is the portion of the building situated to the side of the main section. Example: The president's offices are situated on the west wing of the White House.
2 rooms: This is incorrect. A "storey" is not synonymous with a "room". A "room", located within a building or home, is an area with walls, a ceiling and a floor.
2 sections: This is incorrect. The "sections" of a building are the different parts of it, the term is not synonymous with "storey".
3 regular: This is the correct answer. "Steady" is an adjective to describe something regular, reliable or continuous. For example: There's been a steady increase in sales this year, with no fluctuations at all. A "steady pace" is a speed which is consistent and regular.
3 accelerated: This is incorrect. "Steady" does not share a similar meaning with "accelerated".
3 slow: This is incorrect. "Steady" does not share a similar meaning with "slow". To do something "in slow motion" is to do it at a very reduced speed.
3 surprising: This is incorrect. "Steady" does not share a similar meaning with "surprising". A "surprising (story)" is one which is "remarkable" or "unexpected". Example: I find it very surprising that this sofa is so cheap, it looks very expensive.
Exercise 5
Fill in the blanks below with terms used in the article.
The first term we're looking for means "a journey through the air", for example in a plane:
My was cancelled, so I had to sleep in the airport.
Next, we want you to find a job title or profession:
People who work with machines, structures, systems, etc. are called .
Now we're looking for a term to describe any vessel which travels through the sky (helicopters, planes, etc.):
The latest are equipped with three television screens per passenger. (HINT: the right answer is NOT "airplane", "airship", or "aeroplane"!)
This verb means "to take control of illegally", "to commandeer", or "to rob during a journey":
The plane was by five mice who then flew it to the nearest cheese farm.
Finally, this term describes the distance between each wing of a bird, a plane, a Superman, etc.:
The new Boring 727 has a of 60 metres.
The first term we're looking for means "a journey through the air", for example in a plane:
My was cancelled, so I had to sleep in the airport.
Next, we want you to find a job title or profession:
People who work with machines, structures, systems, etc. are called .
Now we're looking for a term to describe any vessel which travels through the sky (helicopters, planes, etc.):
The latest are equipped with three television screens per passenger. (HINT: the right answer is NOT "airplane", "airship", or "aeroplane"!)
This verb means "to take control of illegally", "to commandeer", or "to rob during a journey":
The plane was by five mice who then flew it to the nearest cheese farm.
Finally, this term describes the distance between each wing of a bird, a plane, a Superman, etc.:
The new Boring 727 has a of 60 metres.
Fill in the blanks below with terms used in the article.
The first term we're looking for means "a journey through the air", for example in a plane:
My flight 1 was cancelled, so I had to sleep in the airport.
Next, we want you to find a job title or profession:
People who work with machines, structures, systems, etc. are called engineers 2.
Now we're looking for a term to describe any vessel which travels through the sky (helicopters, planes, etc.):
The latest aircraft 3 are equipped with three television screens per passenger. (HINT: the right answer is NOT "airplane", "airship", or "aeroplane"!)
This verb means "to take control of illegally", "to commandeer", or "to rob during a journey":
The plane was hijacked 4 by five mice who then flew it to the nearest cheese farm.
Finally, this term describes the distance between each wing of a bird, a plane, a Superman, etc.:
The new Boring 727 has a wingspan 5 of 60 metres.
The first term we're looking for means "a journey through the air", for example in a plane:
My flight 1 was cancelled, so I had to sleep in the airport.
Next, we want you to find a job title or profession:
People who work with machines, structures, systems, etc. are called engineers 2.
Now we're looking for a term to describe any vessel which travels through the sky (helicopters, planes, etc.):
The latest aircraft 3 are equipped with three television screens per passenger. (HINT: the right answer is NOT "airplane", "airship", or "aeroplane"!)
This verb means "to take control of illegally", "to commandeer", or "to rob during a journey":
The plane was hijacked 4 by five mice who then flew it to the nearest cheese farm.
Finally, this term describes the distance between each wing of a bird, a plane, a Superman, etc.:
The new Boring 727 has a wingspan 5 of 60 metres.
1 flight: "Flight" is the term we were looking for here. A "flight" is a journey through the air. It is the noun associated with the verb "to fly". Note that the word "flight" rhymes with "might", "height", and "white"!
2 engineers: "Engineers" is the correct answer here. There are lots of different types of engineer: software engineers (who work with computers), structural engineers (who design bridges, buildings, etc.), aerospace engineers (who design aircraft and spacecraft). If you study "engineering" at university, you can become an "engineer" (unless you fail!).
3 aircraft: "Aircraft" is the right answer. "Aircraft" is a general term which can be applied to any flying vessel or vehicle, such as helicopters, airships, and planes. Note that the plural of "aircraft" is simply "aircraft"! The term "craft" can also be used to describe vessels which travel in the sky, in space, or in or through water (boats, ships, submarines, etc.).
4 hijacked: "Hijacked" is the term we were looking for here. To "hijack" a plane is to take control of it, usually in order to fly it to a different destination. "Hijacking" is most often associated with terrorists "hijacking" planes, as they did on September 11th 2001 in the USA. A person who takes control of a vehicle in this way is called a "hijacker".
5 wingspan: "Wingspan" is the right answer. The "wingspan" of a plane is the distance between the ends of each of the plane's wings. This term can also be used in the natural world, to describe how wide birds are when their wings are fully extended. Example: "The blackbird's wingspan is around 36cm".
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