Meaning

A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate..

Definitions by Sense

1. A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate.
2. (especially of a non-human animal) A breeding partner.
3. (colloquial, British, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, sometimes elsewhere in the Commonwealth) A friend, usually of the same sex.
4. (colloquial, British, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, sometimes elsewhere in the Commonwealth) Friendly term of address to a stranger, usually male, of similar age.
5. (nautical) In naval ranks, a non-commissioned officer or his subordinate (e.g. Boatswain's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Sailmaker's Mate, etc).
6. (nautical) A ship's officer, subordinate to the master on a commercial ship.
7. (nautical) A first mate.
8. A technical assistant in certain trades (e.g. gasfitter's mate, plumber's mate); sometimes an apprentice.

Example Sentences

A "mate" was a "mate" - share and share alike, no matter how bad might be the times, or how long a spell of ill luck had attended them.

Such overt displays of avowed sexual prowess – or at least, desperate availability – are not limited to the countryside. Even in the city, birds and animals and stockbrokers and nurses find ways of signalling their suitability as a mate.

I'm going to the pub with a few mates.

He's my best mate.

Excuse me, mate, have you got the time?

I found one of the socks I wanted to wear, but I couldn't find its mate.

Ye knew me once no mate / For you; there sitting where you durst not soar.

The pieces of the puzzle mate perfectly.

Word Forms

• mates
• mating
• mated

Synonyms for mate

Antonyms for mate

Related Words

When Should You Use Mate?

Use mate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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