water wings

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

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.

water wings

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

First recorded in 1900–10

I want to sink or swim on my own and not use water wings to get through the world.

It seems unreasonable to give an animal that lives in the water wings, which seemingly can be of no use to it.

You didn't see any water-wings or life-preservers floating around, did you?

Binks, with the captured water-wings in his mouth, was within the girl's reach, and she grasped him and dragged him under.

She looked like a Kewpie in her abbreviated bathing suit, with water wings fastened to her back.

This is sometimes accomplished by the use of a swimming raft or water wings.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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