wingtip

The word "wingtip" carries a few related meanings, all connected to the idea of the end of a wing or a shape that looks like one. Most commonly, it refers to a style of dress shoe with a decorative toe pattern that extends to the sides, creating a shape like spread wings. These shoes are usually made of leather and are often linked with formal or business clothing. Someone might polish a pair of wingtips before a wedding, an office event, or an important meeting.

The word is also used in a literal way. In birds and other flying animals, a wingtip is the outer end of the wing. In aviation, it is the outermost part of an airplane's wing. This part matters because it affects how air moves around the wing, so aircraft designers often pay special attention to it. You may see the word in discussions of flight, bird movement, or airplane design.

Less often, "wingtip" can be used more generally for the pointed outer edge of something wing-like. That broader use is not as common, but it follows the same basic picture. So depending on the context, "wingtip" may bring to mind smart leather shoes, the edge of a bird's wing, or the outer tip of an airplane wing.