left wing

noun

plural left wings

1

: the leftist division of a group (such as a political party) : the segment of a group (such as a political party) that calls for greater adherence to liberalism (see liberalism sense 2a) or progressivism (see progressivism sense 1)

the left wing of the Democratic Party

2

: political parties and individuals who support or promote political liberalism or progressivism

sometimes, specifically : such parties and individuals who are deeply opposed to capitalism

left-wing

ˈleft-ˈwiŋ 

adjective

left-wing politics

left-winger

ˈleft-ˈwiŋ-ər 

noun

plural left-wingers

the party's left-wingers

Synonyms

• left
• leftism
• liberalism

Examples of left wing in a Sentence

His nomination is supported by the party's left wing but opposed by the right wing.

the left wing has lost considerable influence in the party, which is now aggressively courting political moderates

Recent Examples on the Web

Mbappe joined Los Blancos from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer, and had to adapt to a central number 9 role because of Ballon d’Or runner up Vinicius occupying his preferred left wing berth. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Tkachuk will play left wing on the Senators’ top line with Tim Stützle and Claude Giroux, Norris will center the second line and Pinto will center the third line. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025

That’s when Herro took advantage of the extra attention by finding Davion Mitchell for an open three-pointer on the left wing. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025

But on the ensuing possession, Chong found Martin open on the left wing, and Martin hit a 3-pointer with 4:33 left in the fourth quarter. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for left wing

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• plaything
• shoestring
• texting