materfamilias
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of materfamilias
First recorded in 1750–60; from Latin; cf. paterfamilias
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.
The film earned five Oscar nominations, including a best supporting actress nod for the veteran Billie Burke as the materfamilias of a wealthy but wacky family.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026
The novel recounts the history and hardships of the Binewski clan, carnival folk whose pater- and materfamilias, Al and Crystal Lil, create their own freak show.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 11, 2022
If all you need from the new “Roseanne” is Ms. Barr’s materfamilias sarcasm, the crack team of comedy actors surrounding her and an update of the show’s working-class gallows humor, it has you covered.
From New York Times ● Mar. 26, 2018
That loyalty can also be, at times, very foolish, to the extent where even Goodfellas materfamilias Karen Hill would question such irrational devotion.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 11, 2016
In keeping with this dignified position was the ideal character of the materfamilias.
From Social life at Rome in the Age of Cicero by W. Warde Fowler
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