WordGarden.io
Back to search

workmate

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /wˈɜːkmeɪt/

US

  • /wˈɜːkmeɪt/

Description

A workmate is someone you work with every day - a colleague, a coworker, a person beside you as the job gets done. It is more than just sharing an office; it often suggests shared experience and a friendly connection. You might grab coffee with a workmate, work together on a project, or talk about a difficult boss with one you trust. The term usually points to a friendly, cooperative relationship at work.

Think of a construction crew building a house - each person is relying on the others to finish the job. Or picture a team of doctors and nurses in a hospital; they are all working side by side to care for patients. It is a warmer term than simply "colleague" and often suggests a closer working relationship.

Examples

  1. 1

    Workplace favor

    I asked a workmate to cover my shift on Friday.

    • Usage

      workmate is more common in British and Australian English than in American English

  2. 2

    Workplace help

    One of my workmates showed me how the new booking system works.

  3. 3

    After work

    A few workmates went out for coffee after the meeting.

  4. 4

    Old colleagues

    She's still close friends with some of her old workmates.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • workmatenoun