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

Throughout his travels, David Ellison has been accompanied by a savvy wingman: Makan Delrahim.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

South Korea's air force suspended the wingman pilot, who has since left the military to work for a commercial airline.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

But the two F-15K jets eventually collided, damaging the lead aircraft's left wing and the wingman aircraft's tail stabiliser.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The musician Tyler Okonma, better known as the Tyler the Creator, is great in his feature film acting debut as Willy, Marty’s gambling wingman.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

Aleksandr didn’t even realize who it was until he heard her voice over the radio—his wingman was supposed to be a male pilot from a different regiment.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein