Wink

/wɪŋk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A quick closing and opening of one eye.

With a mischievous wink, she finished the story.

A brief, secret signal or acknowledgment between people.

They exchanged a wink as they planned their surprise.

verb

To close and open one eye quickly, often as a signal of shared understanding or a joke.

He gave her a wink to let her know he was joking.

To press or work an eye briefly in a playful or flirtatious manner.

She winked at him across the room, inviting him to join her.

Middle English 'winken', from Old English 'wincian' meaning to close the eyes.

wink and you'll miss it

An expression meaning something happens very quickly.

give someone a wink

To make a suggestive or secret gesture towards someone.

blink

The rapid closing and opening of the eyelids.

eyelid

The fold of skin that covers the eye.

To hint at something mischievous without saying it.

He winked when he said he might be late, meaning he wasn't really going to be.

To imply something flirtatious.

She winked at him, making it clear she was interested.