matey
1 Americannoun
plural
mateysadjective
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
- mateyness noun
- matiness noun
Etymology
Origin of matey1
First recorded in 1825–35; mate 1 + -y 2
Origin of matey2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Occasionally she can be matey with you, but don’t try to reciprocate or you get The Look,” he wrote in his memoir, “A Journey.”
From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2022
He can be matey or imperious as the fancy takes him.
From Golf Digest • May 5, 2020
His discussions of Gorey’s work tend to be brief and shallow, and the writing is annoyingly matey.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 3, 2018
He relished being matey with the ultras and was seemingly blase about their darker dealings.
From The Guardian • Dec. 1, 2016
Paul turned to the photographer and made a remark in a matey undertone, as though they were sharing a pint in a pub.
From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
