roommate
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for roommate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who shares a room, apartment, or house with someone else, without necessarily being related or a romantic partner.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use roommate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of room and mate, first used for people who shared living quarters, such as students or soldiers.
Full origin of roommate →Frequently asked questions
What does “roommate” mean?
The word “roommate” means a person who shares a room, apartment, or house with someone else, without necessarily being related or a romantic partner. In plain terms, someone you share living space with.
How do you pronounce “roommate”?
“Roommate” is pronounced ROO-mayt (/ˈɹu(m)ˌmeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “roommate” in a sentence?
Here is “roommate” used in a sentence: “Her college roommate became one of her closest friends.”
What part of speech is “roommate”?
“Roommate” is a noun.
Is “roommate” a common word?
“Roommate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a roommate and a housemate?
A roommate specifically shares a single room with another person, while housemate more broadly means someone sharing a house without necessarily sharing a bedroom. In everyday use, however, roommate is often used loosely to mean anyone sharing living space, including a whole apartment or house.
Does roommate imply a romantic relationship?
No, a roommate is someone who shares a room, apartment, or house without necessarily being related or a romantic partner. The term describes a living arrangement, not a relationship status.
Is roommate the same as flatmate?
They describe similar living arrangements — someone who shares accommodation with another person — but flatmate is the more common British English term, while roommate is more widely used in American English.