the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes
"the casual couplings of adolescents"
"the mating of some species occurs only in the spring"
Pairing of organisms for copulation.
"The male and female birds began their mating ritual to prepare for reproduction."
In plain English: Mating is when two animals of opposite sexes come together to have babies.
"The mating season begins in spring when birds gather to find partners."
present participle of mate
"The birds were seen mating in the nest during springtime."
In plain English: Mating means to find and pair up with someone you want to have babies with.
"The pair of birds began mating in their nest early this spring."
Fitting into or onto a corresponding part, as a matched plug and socket.
"The two puzzle pieces fit together perfectly because their shapes are designed for mating."
In plain English: Mating describes animals that are ready to breed and find partners for reproduction.
"The mating season brings together birds from different territories to find partners."
Usage: Use the adjective form to describe mechanical parts that fit together perfectly, such as plugs and sockets. Avoid confusing this technical sense with the noun meaning sexual pairing between animals or humans.