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

Also netting in a 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico last time out, Raphinha is certain to start on the left wing during a crosstown derby meeting with Espanyol at the Montjuic Stadium on Sunday. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

With a goal and two assists Tuesday in Pittsburgh, the left wing has five goals and 13 assists in nine games, a new franchise record. —John Shipley, Twin Cities, 30 Oct. 2024

While there is, on the farther left wing of the progressive spectrum, a lack of tolerance for questioning their own orthodoxies, at heart, these are attempts at inclusion and understanding, at bringing us towards a more empathetic society. —Donovan McAbee, TIME, 28 Oct. 2024

Granlund started Thursday’s game as the left wing on a line with rookie center Smith and right-wing Fabian Zetterlund. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1