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 • Feb. 20, 2026

The clip highlighted an obvious imbalance between a male figure – disingenuously portrayed as a fellow playmate – in a position of power to a teenage girl.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2024

But in the meantime, mother chimps continue to be their offspring's primary playmate, tickling, chasing, playing 'airplane'.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

It can provide a playmate for your kids, a jogging buddy for you and a loyal companion for everyone to cuddle with on the couch.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Throughout this time of loss and salvation, Bwanga had remained Ruth May’s most loyal playmate.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver