right wing

noun

1. members of a conservative or reactionary political party, or those opposing extensive political reform.
2. such a political party or a group of such parties.
3. that part of a political or social organization advocating a conservative or reactionary position:

   The union's right wing favored a moderate course of action.

right wing

noun

1. often capitals the conservative faction of an assembly, party, etc
2. the part of an army or field of battle on the right from the point of view of one facing the enemy
3. 1. the right-hand side of the field of play from the point of view of a team facing its opponent's goal
   2. a player positioned in this area in any of various games
   3. the position occupied by such a player

adjective

1. of, belonging to, or relating to the right wing

right-wing

¹

1. A descriptive term for conservative or reactionary political views, particularly those supporting the current social order or calling for a return to an earlier order. Right-wing groups are sometimes known collectively as the Right. ( Compare left-wing .)

right-wing

²

1. A descriptive term for an individual or a political faction that advocates very conservative policies. Right-wing groups generally support free enterprise . In the United States, the right wing generally argues for a strong national defense program and opposes federal involvement in promoting social welfare. ( Compare left-wing .)

Notes

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

Derived Forms

• ˈright-ˈwinger, noun

Other Words From

• right-wing adjective
• right-winger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of right wing¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

It might have seemed an obscure, even parochial, battle, but America’s right wing was watching.

From Salon

His political statements have aligned more openly with the right wing.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, this is the usual routine of right wing populism, isn't it?

From Salon

Playing on the right wing in Zagreb, the diminutive attacker carried the fight to Croatia with his ability to dribble forward at pace.

From BBC

“The only political calculation is coming from the right wing in this country, which continues to demonize and cruelly attack undocumented people in California,” Salladay says.

From Los Angeles Times