the two flat, horizontal structures that stick out of the sides of a bird's or an insect's body and are used for flying, a part of a building that sticks out from its side and is shaped like a wing, a thing resembling a wing in form or function

spread one's wings, take someone under one's wing, on a wing and a prayer

Formal and Informal Expressions of wings

In different contexts, you can replace 'wings' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'appendages, extensions' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'flappers, airfoils' is a commonplace synonym.

wings: Explore its Definition & Usage

wings Definition

1the two flat, horizontal structures that stick out of the sides of a bird's or an insect's body and are used for flying
2a part of a building that sticks out from its side and is shaped like a wing
3a thing resembling a wing in form or function

Using wings: Examples

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

Example
The bird flapped its wings and flew away.
Example
The butterfly has brightly colored wings.
Example
The airplane's wingspan is 35 meters.
Example
The museum's new wing will be dedicated to contemporary art.

wings Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wings

Phrases with wings

spread one's wings
to start to do something new or different, especially after a period of being too afraid to do so
Example
After years of working in the same job, she decided it was time to spread her wings and start her own business.
take someone under one's wing
to take care of someone and protect them, especially someone who is young or inexperienced
Example
The older employee took the new intern under his wing and showed him the ropes.
on a wing and a prayer
in a risky or uncertain situation, with only a small chance of success
Example
The team was down by 10 points with only a minute left in the game, but they managed to score twice and win on a wing and a prayer.

📌

Summary: wings in Brief

The term 'wings' [wɪŋz] refers to the flat, horizontal structures used for flying by birds and insects, as well as to architectural features that resemble wings. It can also denote things that resemble wings in form or function. Phrases like 'spread one's wings' and 'take someone under one's wing' suggest taking risks and providing guidance, while 'on a wing and a prayer' implies a risky or uncertain situation.