mate
A close friend or companion.
Mate is a word with several common meanings:
- A friend or companion. In British and Australian English especially, people call their friends mates. “G'day, mate!” is a cheerful Australian greeting. When you say someone is your mate, you mean they're someone you enjoy spending time with and can count on.
- An animal's partner. Scientists say that wolves mate for life, meaning they stay with the same partner. Birds often perform elaborate dances or songs to attract a mate.
- A helper or assistant in certain jobs. A ship's first mate is the captain's main assistant who helps run the vessel. A plumber's mate helps the lead plumber carry tools and learn the trade.
- In chess, to checkmate (often shortened to mate) means to trap the opponent's king so it cannot escape capture, winning the game. Players might say “That's checkmate!” or simply “Mate!”