wingman

American  

[wing-man] / ˈwɪŋˌmæn /

Or wing man

noun

1. Air Force. a pilot in a plane that flies just outside and behind the right wing of the leading aircraft in a flight formation, in order to provide protective support.

2. Slang.

   1. a man who helps, protects, or guides a friend or associate.

      the CEO’s troubleshooting wingman.

   2. a man who helps a friend with romantic relationships, especially one who helps the friend attract a woman.

      When I walked into the bar, my wingman was already there, talking to two women.

3. Sports. winger.

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wingman British  

/ ˈwɪŋmæn /

noun

1. a player in the wing position in Australian Rules

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Etymology

Origin of wingman

First recorded in 1940–45; wing + man

Example Sentences

The money poured in, leading to resentment among cohorts who felt they’d been shortchanged, none more so than Bob Gimlin, Patterson’s wingman in the field during the infamous shoot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Loyal wingman drones would likely be essential in any such conflict, according to Michael Horowitz, who served as U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense in charge of emerging capabilities under the Biden administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

At the Fountain, Gerardo Navarro stars as BQ, the storyteller, and Noé Cervantes assists as DJ, who in addition to playing tracks, serves as BQ’s wingman brother.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025

China also showed off its GJ-11 stealth attack drone, dubbed the "loyal wingman", which can fly alongside a manned fighter jet and aid it in its attacks.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

Thank you for your impeccable wingman service to this old lady on her final adventure.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone