hind wing

noun

: either of the posterior wings of a 4-winged insect

Examples of hind wing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
When the outer wings open, a second set of delicate wings, called the hind wings, are exposed. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024 The hind wings are red, with black spots at the front and black bars at the rear. Detroit Free Press, 14 May 2023 Its hind wing boasts yellow tufts called the androconia. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2020 Known to entomologists as , the red admiral is mostly black, with white spots near the wing tips, orange bands on the hind wings, and a bright red band on the forewing. Dan Southerland, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2020 The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. Beth Burger, Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati.com, 24 Jan. 2020 The small postman loses the vivid red streaks on its hind wings. Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hind wing was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near hind wing

Cite this Entry

“Hind wing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hind%20wing. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hind wing

noun
: either of the back wings of a four-winged insect located behind the forewings
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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