This is the 15619th most frequent German word.
winken
To wave.
In this sentence, 'winke' is used in its literal sense, describing the physical action of waving as a gesture of farewell.
Ich winke meinem Freund zum Abschied.
I am waving goodbye to my friend.
Here, 'winkte' is in the past tense, describing the physical action of waving as a gesture of acknowledgment.
Der Lehrer winkte mir, als ich das Klassenzimmer betrat.
The teacher waved to me as I entered the classroom.
In this sentence, 'winkt' is used figuratively, meaning to attract or beckon in a metaphorical manner, and demonstrates a non-literal application of the term.