classmate

American  

[klas-meyt, klahs-] / ˈklæsˌmeɪt, ˈklɑs- /

noun

1. a member of the same class at a school or college.

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classmate British  

/ ˈklɑːsˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a friend or contemporary of the same class in a school, college, etc

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Etymology

Origin of classmate

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15; class + mate ¹

Explanation

Your classmate is someone who goes to school with you. It's hard to believe when you first start college that some of your classmates will become your very best friends. Your school friends are your classmates, and so are the fellow students you barely know at all. In a small class, you get to know most of your classmates fairly well, while in a large lecture even your teacher might not know all your classmates' names. The word dates from the 18th century, a combination of class, from the Latin classis, "class or division," and mate, "fellow or comrade."

Example Sentences

"DEAR OLD CLASSMATE: "I'd sure like to be with you, back at old Yale, next week, but I can't leave the wheel of this ship, the Chronicle, for even a day.

From T. Haviland Hicks Senior by Elderdice, J. Raymond

Related Words

• acquaintance
• bride
• buddy
• companion
• comrade
• coworker
• playmate
• roommate
• schoolmate
• spouse