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.

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playmate British  

/ ˈpleɪˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a friend or partner in play or recreation

   childhood playmates

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Etymology

Origin of playmate

First recorded in 1635–45; play + mate ¹

Example Sentences

But the joy that little monkey feels for his orangutan, which he uses as shield, surrogate and playmate, is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

From Los Angeles Times

On rare occasions, Sabbath playmates eventually become bride and groom.

From The Wall Street Journal

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