Definition

A young animal, especially a bird, that shares a nest with its siblings or other young animals.

Example

The nestmates chirped together as they waited for their mother to bring food.

Conversation

Did you notice how the baby birds all huddle together in the nestmate situation?

Yeah, it's so cute to see them all snuggling up.

I think they really rely on each other as their nestmates for warmth.

Definitely! It’s like they have their own little family.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nestmate → It is formed from "nest" (from Old English *nest*, meaning a structure built by birds for laying eggs) and "mate" (from Old English *gemetta*, meaning a companion or partner). The word "nestmate" refers to a companion or fellow inhabitant of a nest.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'nest' where birds live and a 'mate' as a companion — a nestmate is simply a companion that shares the nest.

Visually Confused Words