left wing

SEE SYNONYMS FOR left wing ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

members of a liberal or radical political party, or those favoring extensive political reform.
such a party or a group of such parties.
the part of a political or social organization advocating a liberal or radical position.

Origin of left wing

First recorded in 1700–10

OTHER WORDS FROM left wing

left-wing, adjective left-wing·er, noun

Words nearby left wing

left umbilical vein, left ventricle, left ventricular ejection time, left ventricular failure, left ventricular opening, left wing, left-brained, left-branching, left-eyed, left-eyed flounder, left-face

Words related to left-wing

communist, radical, leftist, Socialist

Example sentences from the Web for left-wing

British Dictionary definitions for left-wing

left wing

noun

(often capital) the leftist faction of an assembly, party, group, etc; the radical or progressive wing
the units of an army situated on the left of a battle position
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 left-wing

of, belonging to, or relating to the political left wing

Derived forms of left wing

left-winger, noun

Cultural definitions for left-wing (1 of 2)

left-wing

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.)

Cultural definitions for left-wing (2 of 2)

left-wing

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.)

notes for left-wing

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

Idioms and Phrases with left-wing

left wing

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]