Noun Old-fashioned; not an everyday compliment
YokemateMeaning, examples and usage
A yokemate is a close companion or someone who shares your work. It is another word for yokefellow.
Say it: YOHK-mayt · stress the first syllable
How to use yokemate
This word is useful to recognize when reading older language. For a modern thank-you, job reference or introduction, “colleague,” “teammate” or “companion” is usually clearer. Our earlier description added “meaningful purpose”; that is not part of the word’s definition.
Example sentences
Illustrative examples written for this guide.
Deliberately old-fashioned
“He called his longtime working partner his faithful yokemate.”
This invented example uses an intentionally old-fashioned voice.
Describing companionship
“The two travelers became yokemates on the long journey.”
The noun describes their companionship; it does not guarantee a perfect match.
A clearer modern version
“Thank you for being such a dependable teammate during the move.”
For a message today, this states the appreciation more directly.
Similar words, different emphasis
- Companion
- A broad, familiar word for someone who spends time with you or accompanies you.
- Teammate
- Names someone on the same team without the old-fashioned tone.
- Soulmate
- Suggests a particularly deep personal affinity. Do not assume yokemate carries this meaning.
Is yokemate a real word, and is it positive?
It is a recorded English noun: Merriam-Webster and Collins both list it through yokefellow. It can sound affectionate in the right context, but the noun alone says nothing about someone’s kindness or skill. For a compliment, “a supportive teammate” is easier to understand than “a yokemate.”
References and editorial note
The linked dictionary entries support the word meanings. The example sentences and writing suggestions are Ikigain’s own. This is a language guide, not a personality assessment.