wingman

noun

wing·​man ˈwiŋ-mən How to pronounce wingman (audio)
-ˌman
1
a
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jared Holz, health care sector specialist at Mizuho Securities, agreed to be Adam’s podcasting wingman for this week’s show. Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 26 Feb. 2026 In the film from Gulfstream Pictures, which is currently in production in New Orleans, Iacono will play the role of sentimental, comic wingman Colin Davis. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026 The Clippers had already said wingman Bennedict Mathurin, picked up in a swap with the Pacers, wouldn’t join his new team until Tuesday in Houston. Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 The Clippers had already said wingman Bennedict Mathurin, picked up in a swap with the Pacers, wouldn't debut with his new team until Tuesday in Houston. CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wingman

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wingman was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Wingman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wingman. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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