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

Their wingspan now stretches to more than 5 feet and the nest they share with their parents — Shadow and Jackie — is 6 feet across.

From Los Angeles Times

She says the eaglets’ wingspan now stretches to more than 5 feet.

From Los Angeles Times

Condors have a massive wingspan of up to 10 feet and, left undisturbed, can live as long as 70 years.

From Los Angeles Times

They spent hours together every weekday as part of Mara’s rehabilitation program, Andrews pushing his new protege to unlock potential as vast as Mara’s 7½-foot wingspan.

From Los Angeles Times

He stands 7 feet 3, wears size-18 shoes and has a wingspan rivaling that of some regional jets.

From Los Angeles Times