verb / noun
wink
WINK/wɪŋk/
A brief closing and opening of an eye.
The woman gives a friendly wink and a subtle smile.
Etymology
Old English wincian referred to blinking or closing the eyes. The selected sense makes that movement communicative: closing one eye deliberately conveys a hint or signal rather than simply shutting the eyes.
In context
I am inclined to think he did not quite wink, but that without such perhaps unseemly gesture, he communicated to Mr. Chadwick with the corner of his eye
More examples
- She winks at me to show she's joking.
- He gave his daughter a reassuring wink.
- I tried to wink, but both eyes closed.
Forms
wink · winks · winked · winking
Similar words
- blink
- Usually involves both eyes and need not convey a signal.