forewing

noun

fore·​wing ˈfȯr-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce forewing (audio)
: either of the anterior wings of a 4-winged insect

Examples of forewing in a Sentence

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.
The tan forewings have black spots, while their signature colorful hindwings have lower red and upper black patches, separated by a white section. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 Their most notable feature are the spots ringed with white against the background of their gray forewings. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025 Their triangular forewings propel them at up to 30 miles per hour. Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 13 Apr. 2025 They can be distinguished from other members of the genus by a small number of bristles on their forewings in addition to their slender legs, researchers said. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024 The top of its forewing is marked by white, translucent spots. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The forewings are light brown, with black spots at the front. Detroit Free Press, 14 May 2023 Their forewings are light brown with black spots, and their hindwings are mainly red with black spots. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2023 My memory reeled back and forth in time, trying to come up with a more effectively frizzled nub of broccoli, another forewing that tempted me to lick every bit of flesh from the harplike frame of thin bones. New York Times, 13 July 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forewing was in 1712

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forewing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forewing. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

forewing

noun
fore·​wing ˈfō(ə)r-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce forewing (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: either of the front wings of a four-winged insect
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!