What is "wing loading"

n. the ratio of the weight of an airplane to its wing area

In aerodynamics, wing loading is the loaded weight of the aircraft divided by the area of the wing. An aircraft with a low wing loading has a larger wing area relative to its weight (i.e. a glider), as compared to an aircraft with a high wing loading (i.e. fighter jet, or modern airliner).

The faster an aircraft flies, the more lift is produced by each unit of wing area, so a smaller wing can carry the same weight in level flight, therefore increasing the wing loading. This increased wing load also increases takeoff and landing distances and speeds. A high wing loading also decreases maneuverability. The same constraints apply to winged biological organisms.