Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A pilot whose plane is positioned behind and outside the leader in a formation of flying aircraft.
  • noun Slang A person who helps, guides, or supports another, especially one who assists a friend in trying to seduce another person.
  • noun Sports A player, such as a winger, who plays near the side of a field or court.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A pilot partner of another, a pilot who flies in the same wing or squadron.
  • noun by extension a friend who accompanies one to offer (or receive) support

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the pilot who positions his aircraft outside and behind (on the wing of) the leader of a flying formation

Etymologies

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Examples

  • In this version, for the first time, the mysterious unnamed "wingman" is being mentioned who supposedly was an eye witness to the incident

    Armstrong, Frank A. III 1991

  • He expressed his gratitude toward Timberlake, whom he called his "wingman."

    ABC News: Top Stories 2011

  • Bob White -- Mr. Romney called him his "wingman" -- was a carryover from the candidate's days at Bain Capital.

    Romney's Screen Test Fell Flat 2008

  • A "wingman" - not someone who is always trying to steal your boyfriends.

    [Help] Most Recent Posts 2010

  • As romantics grow weary of the digital dating game, so-called wingman and wingwoman services are taking them back in time.

    On a Wingman and a Prayer: Singles Bow to Cupids-for-Hire Jennifer Levitz 2012

  • At this time his wingman was able to release his ordnance on the target.

    Lee, Leonard M. 1990

  • At this time his wingman was able to release his ordnance on the target.

    Innes, Roger B. 1990

  • This, of course, left me without a wingman, which is not the greatest feeling in the world.

    Thud Ridge Broughton, Jack, 1925- 1969

  • And Holbrooke would flinch when Petraeus would warmly refer to him as his "wingman" - meaning it as a huge compliment - rather than seeing military force as the adjunct to diplomacy.

    The Seattle Times 2011

  • I find that working with a wingman is the best course of action.

    EveryJoe 2009

Comments

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  • at the bar, the wingman provides support by telling ladies what an awesome guy you are, and intercepting the lady's friends who interfere with a pick-up attempt.

    June 15, 2013