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
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Adult wing tips feature black specks defined in gray, and their forewing is gray with black spots of various sizes. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 29 July 2025 These signals stimulate either the beetle’s antennae or their hardened forewings, prompting them to turn, stop or climb. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025 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

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forewing was in 1712

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Cite this Entry

“Forewing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forewing. Accessed 6 Aug. 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
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