Wink
/wɪŋk/noun
A quick closing and opening of one eye, often used as a signal or gesture.
Did you know?The word 'wink' has roots in the Old English 'wincian,' which is related to the concept of 'to close the eyes'—possibly hinting at a deeper connection to hidden knowledge and secrets.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weǵ-
“to be strong, to be lively, suggesting movement or action.”
Old English
Old English
wincian
“to close the eyes briefly, to blink.”
Middle English
Middle English
winkien
“to close one eye momentarily, often in a playful or suggestive manner.”
Modern English
English
wink
“to shut one eye quickly, often implying a shared secret or joke.”
Explore more surprising origins