What does schoolmate mean?
A schoolmate is someone who attended the same school as another person, usually during the same period. The word can describe a fellow pupil from primary school, secondary school, or university, and it does not necessarily mean that the two people were in the same class. “Classmate” is more specific, while “schoolmate” is broader and can include someone one knew at school but never taught alongside. The term is common in everyday speech and in writing about friendships, reunions, and memories. It is generally warm and personal, often appearing in expressions such as “old schoolmate” or “former schoolmate.” A schoolmate can remain a friend long after school has ended, making the word useful for recalling shared experiences from childhood and adolescence.
nounA person who attended the same school as another person, especially during the same period of time. The term may refer to a former school pupil regardless of whether they were in the same class.
- A fellow pupil at the same school, especially at the same time.
"She met an old schoolmate at the reunion."
"He recognized a schoolmate from primary school as soon as he entered the room."
"The former schoolmates reunited after many years apart."
The standard plural is “schoolmates.”
"They remained close friends with their schoolmates after graduation."
A schoolmate may have shared a school with you without ever sharing a classroom.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of schoolmate
“Schoolmate” is an English compound formed from “school” and “mate,” with the word attested in the late 16th century. It developed in the sense of a fellow pupil or a person educated at the same school. Related English forms such as “schoolmaster,” “schoolmistress,” and “schoolteacher” reflect the same long-established use of “school” in combinations concerning education.
Related word forms
How schoolmate is actually used
The term is neutral and is commonly used for schoolmates from childhood, adolescence, or university. It is often more personal than the more formal “fellow pupil.”
Easily confused with schoolmate
A schoolmate attended the same school, whereas a classmate was a fellow pupil in the same class.