Wing Meaning
Wing Definition & Usage
A limb or structure that allows an animal or object to fly, typically found in birds, bats, and aircraft.
Examples
- "The bird spread its wings and soared into the sky."
- "The airplane's wings were damaged during the storm."
- "He watched the eagle's wings catch the wind as it flew overhead."
- "The butterfly's delicate wings shimmered in the sunlight."
- "The wings of the drone made a buzzing sound as it hovered above the garden."
A symbol of freedom, escape, or movement to a higher state.
Examples
- "She felt as though she had wings after receiving the job offer."
- "He was given wings by the support of his friends during tough times."
- "The idea of travel always gave her wings to explore the world."
- "After hearing the good news, he felt his spirit lift with wings of hope."
- "The artist's imagination seemed to have wings, constantly soaring to new heights."
To fly or travel quickly or gracefully, as though having wings.
Examples
- "The butterfly winged its way from flower to flower."
- "He winged across the field, a blur of motion as he sprinted."
- "The plane winged through the clouds, cutting through the sky."
- "She winged it to the city just in time for the event."
- "The bird winged away from the nest, eager to explore."
A section or part of a building, typically extending from the main structure.
Examples
- "The east wing of the hospital was closed for renovations."
- "The mansion had several wings, each with its own unique architecture."
- "She worked in the north wing of the office building."
- "The conference was held in the wing dedicated to larger events."
- "The castle had a private wing for the royal family."
Cultural Context
The word 'wing' has long been associated with flight, both literal and metaphorical. It derives from the Old English word 'wing', which is related to the Proto-Germanic *wengan. Wings have often been a symbol of freedom, escape, and transcendence in literature, art, and religion. In aviation, 'wings' are a crucial component of aircraft design, and the phrase 'spread one's wings' has become synonymous with exploring new opportunities or gaining independence.
The Wings of Ambition
Story
The Wings of Ambition
It was a bright morning in the small coastal town of Harrows Bay. Clara stood at the edge of the cliff, her eyes fixed on the horizon where the sea met the sky. As the wind tousled her hair, she felt a strange sense of freedom wash over her. It was as though she could feel the wings of the gulls soaring high above her, effortlessly cutting through the air. Her mind, trapped in the mundane worries of the past months, felt light as though it had sprouted wings itself, ready to take flight into something new. Behind her, the old lighthouse stood in its towering stillness, a monument to the countless ships it had guided. The building had wings—literal ones—sprawling extensions that formed the lighthouse's wings, each serving a different purpose. The west wing housed the keeper’s living quarters, while the eastern wing contained the old equipment that had once powered the beacon. Clara wasn’t just feeling the physical breeze against her skin; she was feeling an inner stirring. The chance to leave, to chase after something greater, was a choice she hadn’t yet made but longed to. Her mentor, old Mr. Jensen, often told her that ambition was like wings: it could lift you to incredible heights or leave you crashing down if you weren’t careful. "It’s all about where you point them," he had said last week, his voice raspy but sure. "Your wings can carry you far, but you need to know when to take off, when to soar, and when to land." Today, Clara felt ready. She felt as though her wings were already spreading, even if she had not yet taken that first leap into the unknown. The world below her seemed vast and full of opportunity. At that moment, the town’s small propeller plane passed overhead, its wings cutting sharply through the morning air. Clara smiled to herself. Yes, today would be the day she finally spread her wings and began the journey she had been dreaming of for years. In the distance, a ship was making its way toward the harbor, and as it approached, Clara could see its sleek sails unfurled in the wind. It was not a bird, not an airplane, but still, it seemed to glide, powered by invisible wings of its own. Clara turned back toward the cliff edge, her heart swelling with the promise of new beginnings. No matter where her journey took her, she knew the wings of ambition would always be with her.
