noun / verb

mate

MAYT/meɪt/

A companion sharing an undertaking or relationship.

My hiking mate and I share a snack on the trail.

Two modern hiking companions pause together on a simple trail, sharing a snack and relaxed conversation to convey a mate as a companion.

Etymology

mateMiddle Low Germantable companion, messmate

A mate was originally someone sharing a table: companionship was pictured through eating together. The word broadened to a companion or partner, including a spouse or one of an animal pair.

In context

BBC Earth43:08

It's the mating season, and this male's three-foot longtail feathers have helped him successfully attract a mate. Now he has a young family to feed.

A Journey Through the World's Deserts | BBC Earth

More examples

The robin brings food to its mate.
The ship's first mate checks the cargo.
These birds mate in the spring.

Forms

mate · mates · mated · mating

teammate noun — Someone who belongs to the same team.

Similar words

companion: Emphasizes spending time together rather than a paired relationship.
partner: Emphasizes shared responsibilities, a joint activity, or a romantic relationship.
friend: Emphasizes personal affection rather than shared work or breeding.