Mother's Day

American  

noun

1. a day, usually the second Sunday in May, set aside in honor of mothers.

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Mother's Day British  

noun

1. the second Sunday in May, observed as a day in honour of mothers

2. Also called: Mothering Sunday.  the fourth Sunday in Lent, when mothers traditionally receive presents from their children

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How does mothers-day compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Father's Day vs. Mother's Day

Example Sentences

My wife and I seldom dine out, typically only on special occasions such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and our wedding anniversary.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Last March, a couple of weeks before Mother's Day, Maddie and Michael welcomed baby Emmie.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

He anticipates consumers could still eye spending during major events such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day when retailers offer discounts.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

So does not sulking when kids don’t invite you on their vacation or forget to send Mother’s Day cards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

Fumbling to get my shoes on, I felt the same old grief I’d known in church every single Mother’s Day.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd