left wing

noun

1. members of a liberal or radical political party, or those favoring extensive political reform.
2. such a party or a group of such parties.
3. the part of a political or social organization advocating a liberal or radical position.

left wing

noun

1. often capital the leftist faction of an assembly, party, group, etc; the radical or progressive wing
2. the units of an army situated on the left of a battle position
3. sport
   1. the left-hand side of the field of play from the point of view of either team facing its opponents' goal
   2. a player positioned in this area in certain games

adjective

1. of, belonging to, or relating to the political left wing

left-wing

¹

1. A descriptive term for liberal , radical , or revolutionary political views, particularly the view that there are unacceptable social inequalities in the present order of society. Communists and socialists, as well as moderate liberals, come under the term left-wing . Left-wing groups are sometimes known collectively as the Left. ( Compare right-wing .)

left-wing

²

1. A descriptive term for an individual or a political faction that advocates liberal , radical , or even revolutionary policies, usually in favor of overcoming social inequalities. In the United States, left-wing groups generally support federal social welfare programs designed to open opportunities to all citizens. ( Compare right-wing .)

Notes

Although both major political parties in the United States have left-wing factions, left-wing policies are usually associated with the Democratic party .

Derived Forms

• ˌleft-ˈwinger, noun

Other Words From

• left-wing adjective
• left-winger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of left wing¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Idioms and Phrases

The liberal or radical faction of a political group, as in Many consider him a leader of the Democratic Party's left wing . This expression originated in the seating practice of European legislatures, whereby those holding liberal views were assigned to the left side of the house. [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Two former police officers have been jailed for the murder of Marielle Franco, a prominent left wing politician killed in a drive-by shooting in 2018.

From BBC

It started with a long Ream pass from inside the U.S. end to Antonee Robinson on the left wing.

From Los Angeles Times

Another consideration is that Bellingham - while playing centrally a lot - got most of his touches for Real Madrid last season on the left wing.

From BBC

In Europe, countries have "had more left wing or centrist parties in power" so the anti-establishment vote is "going right", another 17-year-old Young Conservative told me.

From BBC

She denied lacking a sense of humour, but said jokes about her from "left wing" comics were "just not funny" as they were "in power" as part of the liberal establishment she was fighting against.

From BBC

Related Words

• leftist
• liberal