1. a friend or companion
Usage: informal; chiefly British
2. one of a pair of animals that breed together
3. an officer on a ship ranking below the captain
Usage: nautical

1. to join together for breeding
2. to join or fit together as a pair

Examples

• Thanks for helping me move, mate.
• The zoo is hoping the pandas will mate this spring.
• The first mate took over when the captain fell ill.
• These socks don’t mate properly after washing.
• Birds often mate for life.
• He’s been my best mate since childhood.
• The ship’s mate checked the cargo manifest.