wingless

[ wing-lis ]

adjective

1. having no wings. wings.
2. having only rudimentary wings, wings, as an apteryx.

ˈwingless

/ ˈwɪŋlɪs /

adjective

1. having no wings or vestigial wings
2. designating primitive insects of the subclass Apterygota, characterized by small size, lack of wings, and larvae resembling the adults: includes the springtails and bristletails

Derived Forms

• ˈwinglessness, noun

Other Words From

• wingless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wingless¹

First recorded in 1585–95; wing + -less

Example Sentences

Just inside, Max Streicher’s “Quadriga” stages massive billowing horses that call to mind wingless Pegasi the way they seem to gallop through the air.

From Los Angeles Times

The wingless insects usually spread through direct contact from the hair of one person to the hair of another.

From Salon

The wingless, pill-shaped insects feed on mammalian blood and, as indicated by their name, are notorious for infesting human dwellings.

From Salon

The human louse is a wingless, blood-sucking parasite that lives its entire life on its host.

From Science Daily

The wingless insects hide in mattresses and bedding and feed on blood, typically biting at night.

From Reuters