wink
English meaning: Wink
Definition
To close and open one eye quickly, usually to send a friendly or secret signal. It can also be a noun for this action.
Example
“He gave her a friendly wink across the room.”
Another example: “I didn't sleep a wink because of the noise next door.”
Usage — When, Where & How
An everyday verb for closing and opening one eye quickly as a friendly or secret signal; neutral register, also a noun (give a wink). Common in idioms (a nod and a wink; didn't sleep a wink; quick as a wink).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'wincian' (to close the eyes, blink).
Synonyms
Related Words
Common Collocations
- give a wink
- wink at
- a knowing wink
- didn't sleep a wink
Word Forms
wink (v/n); winks; winked; winking
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B