A mate gourd is a vessel used to drink yerba mate, a traditional South American beverage made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree. The gourd is usually made from a calabash fruit, which is the fruit of the calabash tree. The mate gourd is filled with yerba mate and hot (but not boiling) water is added by the pourer who then passes it to one of the drinkers. Each drinker finishes the water he or she is given (usually two or three sips) before returning the gourd to the pourer, after which the process is repeated. The mate gourd is usually drunk through a metal straw called a bombilla.

There are different types of mate gourds, including those made from stainless steel, ceramic, and natural gourds. Stainless steel mate gourds are the easiest to maintain and dont require curing, while natural gourds are widely tailored and decorated, taking on various forms and colors, according to each persons taste. To prepare a natural gourd for use, it needs to be cured, which helps prevent cracking, molding, and improves the flavor.

Mate drinking is a social affair in South America, and families, friends, and colleagues often drink mate together. Sharing a mate gourd with a circle of friends and family is a daily delight, and the communal nature of drinking yerba mate is one of the drinks most noted aspects by foreigners.