The spelling of the word "watchmate" can be broken down phonetically as /ˈwɒtʃmeɪt/. The first syllable "watch" is pronounced with a /w/ sound, followed by a short /ɒ/ vowel, and a /tʃ/ sound, as heard in "chess." The second syllable "mate" is pronounced with a long /eɪ/ vowel sound, and a final /t/ sound. "Watchmate" refers to someone who watches over something or someone, such as a sailor who keeps watch on a ship.