motherhood

[muhth-er-hood]

noun

1. the state of being a mother; maternity.

2. the qualities or spirit of a mother.

3. mothers collectively.

adjective

1. having or relating to an inherent worthiness, justness, or goodness that is obvious or unarguable.

   legislation pushed through on a motherhood basis.

motherhood

/ ˈmʌðəˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state of being a mother

2. the qualities characteristic of a mother

Word History and Origins

Origin of motherhood¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; from the late Middle English word moderhed. See mother ¹, -hood

Example Sentences

Here, motherhood is seen as a shared act by the community, not a private burden.

Read more on Salon

In interviews promoting the film, Lawrence has spoken candidly about the difficulty of balancing motherhood and career.

Read more on Salon

“All Her Fault” is a twisty eight-episode thriller with some gasp-worthy moments that takes its depiction of motherhood — and the blame women place on themselves when something goes awry — very seriously.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Yet, this is a character who hates pity and I can’t help but admire that Ramsay faces down today’s phonily upbeat and relatable motherhood discourse with this boogey-mom who keeps herself aloof.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Noted playwright Hudes pens a stunning debut novel that rends conventional notions of motherhood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• parenthood 

When To Use

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.