wingspan

noun

wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan 

: 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

Cissoko is a 6-6, 200-pound guard/forward with a 6-9 ¾ wingspan. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 3 Feb. 2025

Just then, another bald eagle soars overhead, its wide wingspan casting a shadow. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2024

Townsend said players with long wingspans often release their shot in front of their face, which restricts their follow through. —Jason Quick, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

This is my favorite of the Central Valley’s avian attractions, magnificent birds with a nearly 4-foot height and 6-foot wingspan that fly overhead in majestic, trumpeting flocks and gather in the wetland preserve and adjacent fields. —Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1917, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wingspan

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman

Kids Definition

wingspan

noun

wing·​span ˈwiŋ-ˌspan 

: the distance between the tips of a pair of wings (as of a bird or an airplane)