mother hen

American  

noun

1. a person who attends to the welfare of others, especially one who is fussily protective.

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Etymology

Origin of mother hen

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mother hen

For 14 years, as she advanced at The Observer, she said she avoided his desk and chaperoned interns “like a mother hen crossing a busy road.”

From New York Times ● May 30, 2023

A mother hen who pecked when necessary but more often took everyone under her wing.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2023

Studies have shown that calves recover faster after dehorning when allowed to return to their social group, and chicks benefit from being near their mother hen after experiencing a mild stressor.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 30, 2022

Early in life, chicks utter distress calls—high-pitched, repetitive chirps—to attract the attention of their mother hen, whom they rely on for warmth and food.

From Science Magazine ● Jun. 28, 2022

My mother cared for them like a mother hen cares for her chicks, even though the hawk of war has flown away.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya