mate
mayt
Mate (noun) means a friend or companion, especially of the same sex. Example: “He went to the match with a few mates from work.”
noun
1
A friend or companion, especially of the same sex.
"He went to the match with a few mates from work."
"My oldest mate and I have known each other since primary school."
"She invited a couple of mates round to watch the film."
2
A friendly, informal way to address someone, especially in British English.
""Cheers, mate," he said, holding the door open."
"Alright, mate, could you tell me where the station is?"
"Thanks for the lift, mate, I really appreciate it."
3
A breeding partner of an animal.
"The male penguin searched the colony for a mate."
"Swans usually stay with the same mate for many years."
"The male bird sings loudly each spring to attract a mate."
4
A ship's officer ranking below the captain.
"The first mate took the wheel during the storm."
"The mate reported to the captain that the cargo was secure."
"On the old sailing ship, the second mate kept watch through the night."
verb
1
To pair with another (animal) for breeding.
"Swans typically mate for life."
"In spring the frogs gather at the pond to mate."
"Some fish mate only once a year, in shallow water."
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.
When to use it
"Mate" as a friendly address is especially common in British, Irish, and Australian English; it sounds unusual in American English.
Common pairings
old mate
find a mate
first mate
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Word forms
- Plural
- mates
- Third person singular
- mates
- Past tense
- mated
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.'
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