wink
15 synonyms for wink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To close and quickly reopen one eye as a signal, joke, or private message to someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To close and quickly reopen one eye as a signal, joke, or private message to someone.
“She winked at him across the table so only he would notice.”
How to use wink
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
give a wink
wink at each other
forty winks
a knowing wink
Etymology
From Old English wincian, "to close the eyes, blink, or make a sign," going back to a Proto-Germanic root shared with words meaning to bend or bow.
Full origin of wink →Frequently asked questions
What does “wink” mean?
The word “wink” means to close and quickly reopen one eye as a signal, joke, or private message to someone. In plain terms, quickly closing one eye (or both) — usually on purpose, to signal a joke, secret, or flirtation.
How do you pronounce “wink”?
“Wink” is pronounced WIHNGK (/ˈwɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “wink” in a sentence?
Here is “wink” used in a sentence: “She winked at him across the table so only he would notice.”
What is another word for “wink”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wink” include nictitate.
What part of speech is “wink”?
Depending on how it is used, “wink” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “wink” come from?
The word “wink” comes from Old English. From Old English wincian, "to close the eyes, blink, or make a sign," going back to a Proto-Germanic root shared with words meaning to bend or bow.
Is “wink” a common word?
“Wink” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “wink” have?
“Wink” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to close and quickly reopen one eye as a signal, joke, or private message to someone.
