Playmate

A companion, usually another child, who regularly joins in play.

Reach for it when referring to a friendly partner in games or imaginative activity

Nia's playmate turned two cardboard boxes into a moon base.

• playful

  play buddy

  in relaxed speech about a child's familiar partner in games

  not when Play buddy is informal and may sound patronizing in formal guidance.

• everyday

  teammate

  if the children cooperate on the same side of a structured game

  not when Teammate requires team membership and does not cover pretend play.

• warm

  friend

  when the relationship extends beyond shared play

  not when Friend implies a broader bond that a temporary playmate may not share.

• professional

  peer

  when similar age or status is the relevant relationship

  not when Peer says nothing about friendship or playing together.

• literary

  companion

  for someone who provides company during an activity

  not when Companion sounds more general and often more adult than playmate.

• rival
• opponent
• loner

• childhood playmate

  A childhood playmate remembered the elaborate games they invented.

• favorite playmate

  The puppy became the toddler's favorite playmate in the garden.

• new playmate

  His new playmate showed him where the building blocks were kept.