wink

/wˈɪŋk/

/ˈwɪŋk/

[verb] [noun]

to wink

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

to quickly open and close one eye as a sign of affection, or to indicate something is a secret or a joke

briefly shut the eyes

synonyms : blink

nictate

nictitate

gleam or glow intermittently

synonyms : blink

flash

twinkle

winkle

keep back by blinking

synonyms : blink

blink away

Wink

[NOUN]

the act of opening and closing one eye quickly once as a sign of affection, greeting, etc.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

synonyms : blink of an eye

a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly

synonyms : blink

Examples

1. I didn't sleep a wink last night.

2. She winked at him, playfully closing one eye.

3. Our newborn son is rather colicky, so my wife and I haven't slept a wink the last few nights.

4. In a world where miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, it's important to be straightforward and avoid relying on subtle or indirect cues - as they say, a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.

Nearby words