wink
(wĭngk)
[Middle English winken, to close one's eyes, from Old English wincian.]
verb: winked, wink·ing, winks.
intransitive verb
- To close and open the eyelid of one eye deliberately, as to convey a message, signal, or suggestion.
- To close and open the eyelids of both eyes; blink. See synonyms at blink
- To shine fitfully; twinkle: Harbor lights were winking in the distance.
transitive verb
- To close and open (an eye or the eyes) rapidly.
- To signal or express by winking.
noun
- The act of winking.
- A signal or hint conveyed by winking.
- The very brief time required for a wink; an instant.
- A quick closing and opening of the eyelids; a blink.
- A gleam or twinkle.
- Informal A brief period of sleep.
phrasal verbs
- wink at
- To pretend not to see: winked at corruption in the ministry.
- wink out
- To come to a close; end.
