schoolmate

UK: ˈskuːlmeɪt | US: ˈskuːlmeɪt

Definition

  1. n. a person who attends or attended the same school as another

Structure
school <educational institution>mate <companion>
Etymology

The word "schoolmate" combines "school," derived from Old English "scōl" (from Latin "schola," meaning "place of learning"), and "mate," from Middle Low German "māt" (meaning "companion"). The term emerged in the 16th century to describe peers sharing the same educational environment, reflecting the social bonds formed in schools.

Examples

  1. I ran into an old schoolmate at the reunion.

  2. She and her schoolmate collaborated on a science project.

  3. My father still keeps in touch with his schoolmates from decades ago.

  4. The competition was fierce between schoolmates from rival classes.

  5. He introduced me to his schoolmate, who later became my business partner.