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.)

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

Other Word Forms

• left-wing adjective
• left-winger 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

It has fuelled the rise of far right parties and seen centre and even left wing parties scramble to impose controls on migration, fearing electoral defeat by populist right-wingers.

From BBC

Having backed Sir Keir's more left wing leadership opponent back in 2020, she and the PM have had at times a difficult, and occasionally extremely difficult, relationship.

From BBC

He started a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao on the left wing - and against that calibre of opposition he caught the eye, as he has done all summer.

From BBC

Despite their injury problems, the second half was a different story with left wing Leti-I'iga going over for New Zealand's bonus-point fourth try shortly after the restart.

From BBC

Polling from You Gov suggests university graduates are more likely to support left wing parties.

From BBC

Related Words

• leftist 
• liberal