B2nouninformalrelationships
US/meɪt/
UK/meɪt/
(informal, mainly British) a friend; also someone you share a room, class or job with; an animal's partner
In context
I'm going to watch the football with a few mates tonight.
A mate from work lent me his motorbike for the weekend.
The male bird sings to attract a mate in spring.
Words that go with mate
adjective + noun
- best mateMy best mate is getting married next month.
- old mateI ran into an old mate from school at the airport.
verb + noun
- find a mateMany animals travel long distances to find a mate.
noun + preposition
- mates withI've been mates with Tuan since primary school.
- group of matesHe went to Thailand with a group of mates.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is my room mate.Correct: He is my roommate (US) / flatmate (UK).