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

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

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Who’s the taxi driver serving as Marty’s wingman and protector?

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

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

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 • Sep. 3, 2025

“Okay, D, real talk. I’m kind of freaking. I really want Arthur to be up there, but I’m also feeling weird getting my hopes up about someone new. I need wingman advice, Digby Wilson.”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera