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.

---

wingman British  

/ ˈwɪŋmæn /

noun

1. a player in the wing position in Australian Rules

---

Etymology

Origin of wingman

First recorded in 1940–45; wing + man

Example Sentences

“So… it sounds like your friend was a great wingman! Maybe I should rope in Bright…” I tackled the peel of a smoking plantain with my fingertips.

From Literature

A later flash-forward showed him elderly, symbolically handing his iconic shield to his former wingman - literally, a winged man - Sam Wilson.

From BBC

The loyal wingman is a type of AI-powered drone designed to operate in tandem with manned fighter jets and other aircraft, providing reconnaissance and carrying extra weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal

My wingman—Shane Angley, a wine merchant from Raleigh, N.C.—said he felt sure someone on the street would present us with the key to the city.

From The Wall Street Journal

China also showed off its stealth attack drones, dubbed the "loyal wingman", as they are capable of flying alongside a manned fighter jet and aid it in its attacks.

From BBC