wingspan

[ wing-span ]

noun

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

wingspan

/ ˈwɪŋˌsprɛd; ˈwɪŋˌspæn /

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

Given the wingspan constraints imposed by the width of the actual cargo hold, the drone is a good approximation for the size and range of any plane-launched flying robot.

From Popular-Science

When they’re tucked up, the wingspan is just shy of 213 feet—narrow enough to fit within a gate’s allocated space.

From Popular-Science

It weighs upwards of 12,500 pounds, with a wingspan of 79 feet.

From Voice of San Diego

With his aforementioned 7-foot-6 wingspan, Davis is capable of connecting himself to any part of the court when anchoring defenses.

From FiveThirtyEight

Strangely, for such an acute observer of nature, Leonardo apparently did not perceive the importance of wingspan for reducing the effort needed to fly.

From Popular-Science

It has the swooping, symmetrical grace of a bird's wingspan.

From The Daily Beast

The Sunseeker has the wingspan of a 747 and a body the same size as a sedan.

From The Daily Beast

And Sandy is even stranger—and more disruptive—than past market closures because of its massive wingspan.

From The Daily Beast

They are ugly looking buzzards, but remarkable for their 11-foot wingspan.

From The Daily Beast