bedmate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly literary or humorous; can be considered slightly old-fashioned or euphemistic.
Quick answer
What does “bedmate” mean?
A person who shares a bed with another, typically for sleeping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who shares a bed with another, typically for sleeping.
Can refer to a sexual partner, spouse, or anyone sleeping in the same bed; also used metaphorically for a close or intimate associate in a particular context or endeavour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling or definition differences. 'Bedmate' is slightly more common in British English than American English, where 'bedfellow' is often preferred, especially in metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal meaning implies intimacy. The metaphorical use ('strange bedfellows/bedmates') is a well-known idiom derived from Shakespeare.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. American English tends towards 'bedfellow' (for both literal and figurative uses). British English uses 'bedmate' more readily for the literal sense.
Grammar
How to Use “bedmate” in a Sentence
[adjective] + bedmatebedmate + of + [possessor]bedmate + in + [endeavour/context]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in commentary about corporate alliances: 'The merger turned the two rival CEOs into unlikely bedmates.'
Academic
Very rare in formal writing. Might appear in literary analysis, sociology, or history discussing domestic arrangements.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often with a knowing or humorous tone about relationships.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bedmate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bedmate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedmate”
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'bed mate' (should be one word or hyphenated: bedmate/bed-mate).
- Assuming it always implies a romantic relationship; context is key.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be seen as slightly euphemistic or humorous. In polite company, 'partner' or simply 'the person I share a bed with' might be preferred for clarity or formality.
A roommate shares a living space (a flat, house, or room). A bedmate specifically shares a bed. All bedmates sharing a room are roommates, but not all roommates are bedmates.
Yes, informally and humorously (e.g., 'My dog is my favourite bedmate').
Yes, but 'bedfellow' is more common in this fixed metaphorical idiom, especially in the phrase 'politics makes strange bedfellows.'
A person who shares a bed with another, typically for sleeping.
Bedmate is usually informal, slightly literary or humorous; can be considered slightly old-fashioned or euphemistic. in register.
Bedmate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbedmeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbedmeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Politics makes strange bedmates/bedfellows.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MATE (friend/partner) you share your BED with. Simple compound word.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTIMACY IS SHARING A BED. ALLIANCE/ASSOCIATION IS SHARING A BED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bedmate' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?