mate
Mate (noun) means a friend or companion, especially of the same sex. Example: “He went to the match with a few mates from work.”
How to use mate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA friend, a breeding partner, a ship's officer, or (as a verb) to pair up to breed.
"Mate" as a friendly address is especially common in British, Irish, and Australian English; it sounds unusual in American English.
Word forms
mated past tense, mated past tense, mates plural, mates singular, mates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He went to the match with a few _____ from work.
Etymology
From Middle English mate, borrowed from Middle Low German mate ("messmate"), ultimately tied to Old English words for sharing food together — a doublet of the word behind "meat."
Related words
Rhymes for mate
See all rhymes for mate →Frequently asked questions
What does “mate” mean?
The word “mate” means a friend or companion, especially of the same sex. In plain terms, a friend, a breeding partner, a ship's officer, or (as a verb) to pair up to breed.
How do you pronounce “mate”?
“Mate” is pronounced mayt ([meɪt] in IPA).
How do you use “mate” in a sentence?
Here is “mate” used in a sentence: “He went to the match with a few mates from work.”
What part of speech is “mate”?
Depending on how it is used, “mate” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mate” come from?
The word “mate” comes from Old English. From Middle English mate, borrowed from Middle Low German mate ("messmate"), ultimately tied to Old English words for sharing food together — a doublet of the word behind "meat.".
Is “mate” a common word?
“Mate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mate” have?
“Mate” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a friend or companion, especially of the same sex.
Is mate a formal or informal word?
Used to mean a friend, mate is informal. It is very common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, both as a word for a pal and as a friendly way to address someone, as in 'thanks, mate.' In formal writing you would usually choose 'friend' or 'colleague' instead.
What is the difference between mate and friend?
They mean much the same thing, but 'friend' is neutral and works everywhere, while 'mate' is casual and especially British and Australian. Mate can also be a warm, offhand way to address someone you barely know. Friend tends to suggest a closer, more considered relationship than a quick 'alright, mate?'
Is mate British or American?
Meaning a friend, mate is chiefly British, Australian, and New Zealand usage, and it is heard across Ireland too. Americans understand the word but rarely use it this way, preferring 'buddy,' 'pal,' or 'dude.' In American English, 'mate' more often appears in compounds like 'roommate' or 'teammate.'
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include mate: