playmate

American  

[pley-meyt] / ˈpleɪˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a companion, especially of a child, in play or recreation.

2. Informal. a social companion or lover; girlfriend or boyfriend.

   He showed up at the nightclub with his new playmate.

---

playmate British  

/ ˈpleɪˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a friend or partner in play or recreation

   childhood playmates

---

Etymology

Origin of playmate

First recorded in 1635–45; play + mate ¹

Example Sentences

The childhoods so many Americans grew up with—holidays packed with relatives, built-in playmates, bustling Friday night dinners—are quietly disappearing.

From The Wall Street Journal

This time, in late September, the rabbit was still there, but it had no playmates.

From MarketWatch

This time, in late September, the rabbit was still there, but it had no playmates.

From MarketWatch

A brown bear who underwent pioneering, life-saving brain surgery in October has rejoined his playmates after more than a year apart.

From BBC

The Times took a look at some of these twisty stories where lovers and friends seek soulmates and playmates in locales that stretch from 11th century Italy to an alternative future.

From Los Angeles Times