What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
airfoil
Example
The airfoil design of the wing allows the airplane to generate lift. [airfoil: noun]
Example
The engineers tested different airfoil shapes in the wind tunnel to optimize performance. [airfoil: adjective]
wing
Example
The airplane's wing is designed to provide lift and stability during flight. [wing: noun]
Example
The bird flapped its wings and took off into the sky. [wings: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wing is a more common and versatile term used in everyday language, while airfoil is a technical term used primarily in the field of aerodynamics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between airfoil and wing?
Airfoil is a technical term used in a formal or technical context, while wing is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.