right wing

noun

1. members of a conservative or reactionary political party, or those opposing extensive political reform.

2. such a political party or a group of such parties.

3. that part of a political or social organization advocating a conservative or reactionary position.

   The union's right wing favored a moderate course of action.

right wing

noun

1. (often capitals) the conservative faction of an assembly, party, etc

2. the part of an army or field of battle on the right from the point of view of one facing the enemy

3. 1. the right-hand side of the field of play from the point of view of a team facing its opponent's goal

   2. a player positioned in this area in any of various games

   3. the position occupied by such a player

adjective

1. of, belonging to, or relating to the right wing

right-wing

¹

1. A descriptive term for conservative or reactionary political views, particularly those supporting the current social order or calling for a return to an earlier order. Right-wing groups are sometimes known collectively as the Right. (Compare left-wing.)

right-wing

²

1. A descriptive term for an individual or a political faction that advocates very conservative policies. Right-wing groups generally support free enterprise. In the United States, the right wing generally argues for a strong national defense program and opposes federal involvement in promoting social welfare. (Compare left-wing.)

Although both major political parties in the United States have right-wing factions, right-wing policies are usually associated with the Republican party.

Other Word Forms

• right-wing adjective
• right-winger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of right-wing¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

In the first round of a presidential vote, some 70% of voters backed the four leading right wing candidates, with more than 60% of all ballots counted.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After getting the ball on the right wing, he flashed past his opponents' defence in an impressive display of speed and skill before putting it away with his weaker foot.

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Tom Roebuck has recovered from an ankle problem and replaces the injured Tommy Freeman on the right wing.

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This theory had considerable resonance on the right wing and helped metastasize the militia movement.

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The 22-year-old continued on the right wing last autumn and again scored against the All Blacks, but injuries have stunted his progress since.

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