wingman

noun

wing·​man ˈwiŋ-mən 

-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

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

The Valkyrie serves as a wingman for manned autonomous F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning IIs. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for wingman

• dingman