wingman

or wing man

[ 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 ( def 1 ).

wingman

/ ˈwɪŋmæn /

noun

1. a player in the wing position in Australian Rules

Word History and Origins

Origin of wingman¹

First recorded in 1940–45; wing + man

Example Sentences

The president has accused Calderón of committing election fraud to narrowly defeat him in the 2006 presidential race and of subsequently presiding over a “narco-state,” with García Luna as his corrupt top law enforcement wingman.

From Los Angeles Times

Rubio was on the long list to be Trump’s wingman in this election, because he’s a household name, can articulate Trumpism fluently in Spanish and represents Florida, a swing state.

From Los Angeles Times

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft, for instance, is expected to serve as a “loyal wingman” for the manned F-35 stealth fighter, while conducting high-risk missions in contested airspace.

From Salon

As a wingman of the late Republican hawk and war hero Senator John McCain of Arizona, Mr. Graham traveled the country warning anyone who would listen about the dangers of Mr. Trump.

From New York Times

At other moments, Britain plays the role of America’s ready wingman.

From New York Times