motherhood
Americannoun
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the state of being a mother; maternity.
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the qualities or spirit of a mother.
-
mothers collectively.
adjective
noun
-
the state of being a mother
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the qualities characteristic of a mother
Usage
What does motherhood mean? Motherhood is the state of being a mother. A person enters motherhood when they become a mother. This most commonly happens when their child is born, but it can also happen through adoption or by marrying or becoming a partner to someone with children. Motherhood is a gender-specific version of the term parenthood. Less commonly, motherhood can refer to all mothers collectively, as in You won’t find a better mom in all of motherhood. Example: People who have not experienced motherhood probably shouldn’t be so quick to criticize how moms parent their children.
Etymology
Origin of motherhood
First recorded in 1375–1425; from the late Middle English word moderhed. See mother 1, -hood
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hague has also been open with her fans about her struggles with pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, describing having her first child as challenging at times.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Then in her 50s, after her own mother died, she went through a period of regret that she had decided against single motherhood.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
They focus on motherhood and love, with rounded forms cradling one another and calling to mind the work of Henry Moore.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Other women in the workforce have to contend with the motherhood penalty, but moms-to-be making a living on social media can rake in cash with sponsorships that continue well past their due dates.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
“No. I think the court has custody. For the moment, at any rate. The mother is a remarkably beautiful woman, but not one in whom, shall we say, the flame of motherhood burns very brightly.”
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
