wingspan

noun

wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan How to pronounce wingspan (audio)
: the distance from the tip of one of a pair of wings to that of the other
also : span sense 2c

Examples of wingspan in a Sentence

The hawk has a wingspan of about three feet. a plane with a 200-foot wingspan
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.
Ravens measure about 22 to 27 inches long and have a wingspan that reaches up to 59 inches, while an American crow is about 16 to 21 inches long with a wingspan of up to 39 inches. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 Kuminga is still a promising young wing at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, elite athleticism and explosive speed. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026 This also includes the largest American variant, the western mastiff, with a wingspan of nearly two feet, and the smallest, the thumb-sized, nickel-weighing western pipistrelle, also called the canyon bat. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Lengthy corners can sometimes have their wingspan work against them when needing fluid hips and precise movements in coverage. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wingspan

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wingspan was circa 1917

Rhymes for wingspan

See All Rhymes for wingspan

Browse Nearby Words

wing snail
wingspan
wingspread
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wingspan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wingspan. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wingspan

noun
wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan How to pronounce wingspan (audio)
: the distance between the tips of a pair of wings (as of a bird or an airplane)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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