: 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
Recent Examples on the WebTom Cruise rang in his 60th birthday with a special birthday wish from his best wingman. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, 5 July 2022 Anyone failing to guess who’ll land the team leader spot and who’ll be their wingman isn’t paying attention. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 May 2022 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 See More