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

But it’s easy to see how the idea fits neatly into the right’s sexist vision of motherhood as a state of endless self-sacrifice.

From Salon

Motifs of motherhood shift in and out of view; are the tragedies actual or fever-fantasy?

From Los Angeles Times

How did your concept of motherhood change after caring for your mother?

From Los Angeles Times

After 27 years of balancing work and motherhood, I feel like a professional juggler who is left with a single ball.

From Los Angeles Times

The figures also show motherhood is changing across Scotland.

From BBC

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.