wingspan

[ wing-span ]

noun

1. the distance between the wing tips of an airplane.
2. wingspread.

wingspan

/ ˈwɪŋˌspæn; ˈwɪŋˌsprɛd /

noun

1. the distance between the wing tips of an aircraft, bird, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of wingspan¹

First recorded in 1915–20; wing + span ¹

Example Sentences

The largest of these reached 10 m in wingspan, but early forms were generally limited to around 2 m.

From Science Daily

The largest land bird in North America with an impressive wingspan up to 9½ feet, the California condor could once be found across the continent.

From Los Angeles Times

Professor Martill added: "This specimen is now one of the largest known pterosaurs from the Jurassic period worldwide, surpassed only by a specimen in Switzerland with an estimated wingspan of up to five metres."

From Science Daily

That and the giant drone, its wingspan similar to that of an eagle, chuffing high above as it rains organic fertilizer onto the knee-high rice seedlings billowing below.

From Seattle Times

The island is home to globally significant populations of nearly 30 bird species and a rare undisturbed habitat for wandering albatrosses — with their 10-foot wingspan — and many others.

From Seattle Times