matronly

American  

[mey-truhn-lee] / ˈmeɪ trən li /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a matron; maturely dignified; stately.

2. characteristic of or suitable for a matron.

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ˈmatronly British  

/ ˈmeɪtrənlɪ /

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or suitable for a matron; staid and dignified in a manner associated with a middle-aged, usually plump, woman

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Other Word Forms

• matronliness noun

Etymology

Origin of matronly

First recorded in 1650–60; matron + -ly

Example Sentences

The character followed a tradition of popular drag acts, but O'Grady said he wanted to stand out from the "matronly and sexless" figures who had come before, like Dame Edna Everage and Hinge and Bracket.

From BBC

Tweed that for all its variations and Chanelisms still managed to look mostly matronly; stuck in the mud by the River Tay.

From New York Times

When she did return to acting, hoping by now she would no longer be remembered simply as Dennis Mitchell’s mother, the matronly roles persisted.

From Los Angeles Times

“She was matronly,” Tyler writes, “which Micah found kind of a turn-on.”

From Washington Post

Flanking the tall, arched window are vigango, carved wooden memorial statues from Kenya, which Tucker calls “the matronly and paternal spirits of this room, and the home.”

From Los Angeles Times