wink
verb (used without object)
to close and open one eye quickly as a hint or signal or with some sly meaning (often followed byat ).
winking
-
present participleof wink.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In retrospect, his decision to largely avoid winking at the audience was a disaster.
From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026
But that hasn’t stopped him from using his notoriety to sell merch and pump his $CHUD scamcoin while winking to his online flock.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
All of Mr. Horowitz’s conceits are present here: a murder mystery within the murder mystery, winking nods at the author’s real-life career as a novelist and screenwriter, and playful experimentation with the detective-story form.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
Just before his dinner toast, Charles quoted a Shakespearean plea for peace -- but ended with a winking reference.
From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026
“I may have thrown something extra in there,” she says, winking.
From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
