Mother's Day

American  

noun

1. a day, usually the second Sunday in May, set aside in honor of mothers.

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Mother's Day British  

noun

1. the second Sunday in May, observed as a day in honour of mothers

2. Also called: Mothering Sunday.  the fourth Sunday in Lent, when mothers traditionally receive presents from their children

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How does mothers-day compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Father's Day vs. Mother's Day

Example Sentences

My wife and I seldom dine out, typically only on special occasions such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and our wedding anniversary.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

Navigating Mother's Day, and other occasions like birthdays and Christmas since Teddy's death, has been challenging, Maddie says.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

He anticipates consumers could still eye spending during major events such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day when retailers offer discounts.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

So does not sulking when kids don’t invite you on their vacation or forget to send Mother’s Day cards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

I remember when our teacher had us make Mother’s Day cards to take home and how he left to go to the bathroom and never came back.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan