right wing

American  

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.

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right wing British  

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

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adjective

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

right-wing ¹ Cultural  

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.)

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right-wing ² Cultural  

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.)

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of right wing

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

How does right-wing compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• left wing vs. right wing

Example Sentences

“I know I get labeled as this radical right wing voice, but I have moderates, a lot of moderates within my audience.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

His talent and threat from the right wing is not new, and opposition defences often use two or sometimes three defenders to shut him down.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Colombians started voting Sunday in legislative elections that will shape the final months of left-wing President Gustavo Petro's term and test whether the once-powerful right wing is poised for a political comeback.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Tommy Freeman, who started the first two rounds at outside centre, shifts back to the right wing.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

His hand moved over to the bottom rows on the right wing.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt