noun

mate

friend, pal, partner, spouse

He's my best mate.

He's my best mate.

Where is the mate to this sock?

Where is the mate to this sock?

The lion is looking for a mate.

The lion is looking for a mate.

((sb.'s)) mate someone's friend or partner He's my best mate.

Synonyms: friend, buddy, pal, partner

From Middle Low German 'mate' meaning 'comrade', literally 'one who shares food at the same table'.

Think of 'checkmate' in chess, where the king's 'mate' or partner is defeated.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.