forewing

noun

fore·​wing ˈfȯr-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce forewing (audio)
: either of the anterior wings of a 4-winged insect

Examples of forewing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The forewings have black spots at the front, with a speckled band at the rear. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 Flying ants, in contrast, have large forewings and smaller hind wings. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026 Their most notable feature are the spots ringed with white against the background of their gray forewings. — Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025 Adult wing tips feature black specks defined in gray, and their forewing is gray with black spots of various sizes. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for forewing

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forewing was in 1712

Rhymes for forewing

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Browse Nearby Words

forewarningly
forewing
forewoman
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Cite this Entry

“Forewing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forewing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forewing

noun
fore·​wing ˈfō(ə)r-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce forewing (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: either of the front wings of a four-winged insect
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