Mate meaning : A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate. (especially of a non-human animal) A breeding partner. A friend, usually of the same sex. Friendly term of address to a stranger, usually male, of similar age In naval ranks, a non-commissioned officer or his subordinate (e.g. Boatswain's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Sailmaker's Mate, etc). A ship's officer, subordinate to the master on a commercial ship. A first mate. A technical assistant in certain trades (e.g. gasfitter's mate, plumber's mate); sometimes an apprentice. The other member of a matched pair of objects. A suitable companion; a match; an equal. To match, fit together without space between. To copulate. To pair in order to raise offspring To arrange in matched pairs. To introduce (animals) together for the purpose of breeding. (of an animal) To copulate with. To marry; to match (a person). To match oneself against; to oppose as equal; to compete with. To fit (objects) together without space between. To move (a space shuttle orbiter) onto the back of an aircraft that can carry it.