What does winger mean?
Winger is a noun most often used for a team-sport player who operates on the left or right side of the field or court. In association football, for example, a winger traditionally starts wide and tries to create chances by running at the opponent's fullback, crossing the ball, or cutting inside. The position has evolved, so winger can now describe a broader attacking role rather than a rigid tactical position. Outside sport, especially in British English, winger can mean a member of a political party or faction associated with one side of it; a left winger or right winger is not necessarily a literal sportsman. The word is usually neutral in sports but can sound informal or mildly dismissive in political discussion, where it may reduce a complex political position to one side of a party. Its usefulness lies in this double life: a familiar sporting label with a clear figurative extension into party politics.
nounA winger is a team-sport player who plays on the left or right side of the field or court, especially in association football, hockey, or rugby. By extension, especially in British English, it can mean a member of a political party or faction identified with its left or right wing.
- A team-sport player who operates on the left or right side of the field or court, especially in association football, hockey, or rugby.
- A member of a political party or faction, especially one associated with the left or right side of a political spectrum.
"The left winger cut inside and curled the ball into the far corner."
"She started on the right, operating as a winger and delivering several dangerous crosses."
"The report was intended to reassure the right winger of the coalition."
The standard plural of the noun, used for multiple players or political faction members.
"The team signed two wingers before the season began."
A winger belongs to one side: on the pitch, in a team, or in a political party.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does winger come from?
Winger is an English formation from wing and the suffix -er, which can indicate a person or thing associated with something. Its base noun wing is inherited from Old Norse, while the sporting sense of winger came to denote a player stationed on the side of a field or court. The political sense developed by extension to someone belonging to a faction at one side of a party.
Related word forms
How winger is actually used
In sports, winger is common in association football, hockey, rugby, and similar team sports. Its political use is particularly established in British English and can sound informal or mildly dismissive when it reduces a complex political position to one side of a party.
Easily confused with winger
A winger plays on a side or belongs to a political wing, whereas a winner is someone or something that wins a competition.