roommate
ROOM-mayt
/ˈruːmmeɪt/
A person with whom one shares a room or apartment, especially at a college or university.
In American English, 'roommate' can refer to sharing the same bedroom or sharing the same apartment flat. In British English, 'flatmate' is used for sharing an apartment.
The story behind the word. A simple Germanic compound combining 'room' (space) with 'mate' (comrade or partner, from Old Germanic *māt- meaning one who eats bread together). It gained wide usage in 18th-century English boarding schools.
Word relationships
- flatmate: Common in British English for sharing an apartment flat without necessarily sharing a bedroom.
- housemate: Refers to sharing a full house with someone.
- sole occupant: An individual living entirely alone in a dwelling.
Commonly confused with
- classmate: A classmate shares a course or classroom, whereas a roommate shares living quarters.
Word family
- rooming (noun): The act of occupying a room.
Collocations
- dorm roommate
- potential roommate
- roommate agreement
- roommate conflict
Example sentences
- "My roommate and I spent the first weekend setting up our desks and agreeing on light schedules." Campus narrative
- "If you experience ongoing disputes with your roommate, contact your resident assistant." Housing conflict resolution
Memory hook
A mate who shares your room. Room + Mate = Living partner.
When not to use
Do not use for family members with whom you share a home unless referring specifically to shared bedroom space.
Fun facts
- In the UK, calling someone a 'roommate' usually implies you sleep in the exact same bedroom, whereas in North America it covers both flatmates and bedroom-sharing.
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