motherhood

American  

[muhth-er-hood] / ˈmʌð ərˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state of being a mother; maternity.

2. the qualities or spirit of a mother.

3. mothers collectively.

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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 British  

/ ˈmʌðəˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state of being a mother

2. the qualities characteristic of a mother

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of motherhood

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

Example Sentences

He gushed about her “strong parenting and motherhood and female life element,” portraying her as reaching “younger religious women” with content about “sunscreen and parenting styles and the secret to fixing your period.”

From Salon

For all of her good, natural sense, motherhood gives Agnes a glaring blind spot.

From Salon

Nemzer, who is a little older than her colleagues, balances her demanding job with marriage and motherhood.

From Los Angeles Times

What seems clear is that motherhood, at least at first, was a role for which Crawford had no preparation.

From The Wall Street Journal

I always assumed that one day, I’d pass the book along to a daughter and we would bond over the rite of motherhood.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• parenthood