wingman

noun

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wing·man | \ ˈwiŋ-mən

, -ˌman \

Definition of wingman

1a : a pilot who flies behind and outside the leader of a flying formation

b informal : a male friend or partner who accompanies and supports a man in some activity While guys find large groups of women intimidating, they think just a few together is the most inviting. If you hang out with a couple of friends, a guy would be able to approach you with a couple of his friends (i.e., wingmen), which would take the pressure off. — Cosmopolitan

2 : winger

Examples of wingman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Williams’ wingman broke away and safely returned to the fleet, but Williams was trapped. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2022 Maverick cannot quite remember her name, so wingman Goose (Anthony Edwards) whispers it to him. — Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2022 Carmichael, 50, will have to call plays and truly be in charge of the offense, instead of serving as Payton’s wingman. — Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 4 June 2022 Maverick returns to train a group of pilots that includes Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of his deceased wingman, Goose (Anthony Edwards), whose death in the first film hangs over this one. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 May 2022 As vice president, Pence was Trump's notably obsequious wingman, heaping praise on his boss and stepping far from the spotlight whenever the president was in the same space. — Michael D'antonio, CNN, 25 May 2022 In Top Gun and in life, your wingman has the answer. — Men's Health Editorial, Men's Health, 17 May 2022 Say hello to Frédéric Malle’s Musc Ravageur, your new wingman for any occasion. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 May 2022 Kilmer is back as Maverick’s onetime-rival-turned-wingman, in a touching appearance that will leave many misty-eyed. — Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wingman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.