water wings

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. an inflatable contrivance shaped like a pair of wings, usually worn under the arms to keep the body afloat while one swims or learns to swim.

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water wings British  

plural noun

1. an inflatable rubber device shaped like a pair of wings, which is placed round the front of the body and under the arms of a person learning to swim

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Etymology

Origin of water wings

First recorded in 1900–10

Example Sentences

The world can be scary and unnerving, but friends are our water wings, our cheer squad, our bodyguards, our packing peanuts.

From Washington Post • Dec. 16, 2022

Eventually the family was forced to climb on top of their kitchen cabinets - they put water wings on their 1-year-old - and were rescued the next day by boat.

From Washington Times • Oct. 7, 2022

When teammates drew a chalk line and got him water wings, Rodriguez happily posed for pictures.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2022

Your water wings are your eyes and your heart.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2019

Esme, water wings and all, came trotting along the pool’s edge to them.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman