shut and open one eye quickly as a signal or in teasing, a quick closing and opening of one eye, typically as a signal or in teasing

not sleep a wink, give someone a wink, wink and nod

wink at, in the wink of an eye, wink out

Formal and Informal Expressions of wink

In different contexts, you can replace 'wink' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'signal, indicate' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'flash, twinkle' is a commonplace synonym.

wink: Explore its Definition & Usage

wink Definition

1shut and open one eye quickly as a signal or in teasing
2a quick closing and opening of one eye, typically as a signal or in teasing

Using wink: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wink" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She winked at me to indicate that she was joking.
Example
He gave me a wink to let me know he was on my side.
Example
The actor gave a sly wink to the audience.
Example
I couldn't help but smile at his playful wink.

wink Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wink

Antonyms for wink

Idioms Using wink

not sleep a wink
not sleep at all
Example
I didn't sleep a wink last night because of the noise outside.
give someone a wink
signal to someone in a subtle or secret way
Example
She gave me a wink to let me know that she understood what I was saying.
wink and nod
to pretend not to notice something or to ignore it
Example
The company was accused of winking and nodding at safety regulations.

Phrases with wink

wink at
pretend not to notice (something bad or illegal)
Example
The authorities are accused of winking at corruption.
in the wink of an eye
very quickly
Example
In the wink of an eye, the thief had stolen the purse and disappeared into the crowd.
wink out
cease to exist or be visible
Example
The stars began to wink out as the sun rose over the horizon.

Origins of wink

from Old English 'wincian', meaning 'to close the eyes'

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Summary: wink in Brief

'Wink' [wɪŋk] is a verb and a noun that refers to the act of quickly closing and opening one eye, often as a signal or in teasing. It can also mean to pretend not to notice something bad or illegal, as in 'The authorities are accused of winking at corruption.' 'Wink' extends into idioms like 'not sleep a wink,' meaning not to sleep at all, and 'give someone a wink,' meaning to signal subtly or secretly.