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 adjective
left-wing politics
left-winger noun
plural left-wingers
the party's left-wingers

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for left wing

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of left wing was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Left wing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left%20wing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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