motherland

American  

[muhth-er-land] / ˈmʌð ərˌlænd /

noun

1. one's native land.

2. the land of one's ancestors.

3. a country considered as the origin or source of something.

---

motherland British  

/ ˈmʌðəˌlænd /

noun

1. another word for fatherland

---

Etymology

Origin of motherland

First recorded in 1705–15; mother ¹ + land

Example Sentences

"After more than a century of colonial rule, Hong Kongers feel proud to return to the embrace of the motherland," he wrote.

From BBC

Foreign policy issues were mixed with musings about the motherland, praise for local businesses, fish prices and the importance of looking after veterans.

From BBC

The Soviets had been caught unprepared by Hitler in World War II. “Like twenty years ago,” the statement continued, “ominous clouds of war are once again overhanging the approaches to our motherland.”

From Literature

Zhang Lu told reporters on Thursday he was confident his team would "report back to our motherland and its people with complete success".

From Barron's

Her work is motivated by all who are learning about their history and taking action to heal the wounds of war for their families and their motherland.

From Salon

Related Words

• country of origin
• homeland