wink

[wɪŋk]

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

Antonyms for wink

Idioms Using wink

  • not sleep at all

    Example

    I didn't sleep a wink last night because of the noise outside.

  • 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

  • pretend not to notice (something bad or illegal)

    Example

    The authorities are accused of winking at corruption.

  • very quickly

    Example

    In the wink of an eye, the thief had stolen the purse and disappeared into the crowd.

  • 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'

📌

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.

How do native speakers use this expression?