mates

nounone of a pair; partner

verbmarry and breed

Word Origin & History

"associate, fellow, comrade," mid-14c., also "companion" (late 14c.), from Middle Low German mate, gemate "one eating at the same table, messmate," from Proto-Germanic *ga-maton "having food (*matiz) together (*ga-)," which is etymologically identical with companion. Cognate with Danish and Swedish mat, German Maat "mate," Dutch maat, from German. Meaning "one of a wedded pair" is attested from 1540s. Used as a form of address by sailors, laborers, etc., since at least mid-15c. Meaning "officer on a merchant vessel is from late 15c.

Example Sentences for mates

I played as heartily as I worked, but I studied with a will, too, and passed a score of mates.

Our mates used to go aloft, and both were active, powerful men.

One of the mates, and two of the petty officers, could speak a little English.

He would not give his mates the pain of refusing or of apologising.

And then John burst into song, and all his mates and neighbours with him.

I'm no blanky orator, mates, but wot I say is drove from me.

I'm no orator, mates, it's the flesh and blood in me that's speakin', it's the heart o' me.

These he mates, and from their progeny he selects the ones that suit him best.

She was popular among her mates, although she never sought popularity.

The mates and the crew, part of 'em, was standin' starin' at the pair.

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Synonyms for mates

noun one of a pair; partner

Antonyms for mates

More words related to mates

pair

noun. two of something

pairs