water wings

noun (used with a plural verb)

an inflatable contrivance shaped like a pair of wings, usually worn under the arms to keep the body afloat while one swims or learns to swim.

Origin of water wings

First recorded in 1900–10

Words nearby water wings

water wagon, water wagtail, water wave, water wheel, water willow, water wings, water witch, water, water everywhere, / nor any drop to drink, water-base paint, water-bath, water-bus

Example sentences from the Web for water wings

  • Screepers, Riggy, what do you think the perfectly good pair of water-wings in your case is for?

    The Trap |Betsy Curtis

  • These water-wings take up no more room than a pocket-handkerchief.

    The Bradys After a Chinese Princess |Francis Worcester Doughty

  • You didn't see any water-wings or life-preservers floating around, did you?

    Left End Edwards |Ralph Henry Barbour

  • In this manner the three swimmers towed to shore those who had ventured too far on the water-wings.

    Dorothy Dale's Great Secret |Margaret Penrose

British Dictionary definitions for water wings

water wings

pl n

an inflatable rubber device shaped like a pair of wings, which is placed round the front of the body and under the arms of a person learning to swim