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

The teaser's promise that "Mother Earth is expecting" uses the language of birth, playing into the franchise's ongoing themes about motherhood.

From Salon

In more recent years, rising housing and child-rearing costs as well as workplace pressures forcing women to choose between motherhood and their careers have driven the figure down even further.

From Los Angeles Times

There was no room in this vision for marriage or motherhood.

From Los Angeles Times

That same charm is on full display in her special “Seasoned Professional,” released in February, which seamlessly ties tender musings on motherhood to cautionary tales from the lactose intolerant.

From Los Angeles Times

With this time granted by Death, Agatha melds her two primal instincts –– motherhood and survival.

From Salon

Related Words

• parenthood

More About Motherhood

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.

Where does motherhood come from?

The first records of the word motherhood come from around 1400. The suffix -hood indicates a state or condition—in this case, the state of being a mother. It’s used in the same way in words like fatherhood, parenthood, adulthood, and childhood.

Unlike adulthood, the start of motherhood is very definite—it begins when a person becomes a mother. After that, most mothers consider motherhood to be a permanent state that lasts even after their children have grown up. In other words, once you become a mother, you never stop being one. Motherhood is usually considered very challenging due to all the difficulties of raising children, but it’s usually also considered very rewarding. It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love, as the saying goes.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for motherhood?

• maternity

What are some words that share a root or word element with motherhood? 

• mother
• fatherhood
• parenthood
• childhood

What are some words that often get used in discussing motherhood?

• child
• children
• kids
• responsibility
• joy
• marriage
• single

How is motherhood used in real life?

The word motherhood is often associated with the many challenges that it involves.

#motherhood isn't just about giving birth, it is the inherent instinct to love unconditionally, to care for, to protect at all cost, to nurture and to watch that little child grow and blossom, then to enjoy the unexplained joy that comes along with it. pic.twitter.com/h2W1rPzSg3

— Ironn Sky (@IronnSky) November 17, 2020

From the #VFArchives: Adele opens up about the challenges of motherhood, melancholy, and mega-stardom https://t.co/223AJkXHJH #Grammys pic.twitter.com/8qyJxbk8QY

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 13, 2017

I'm already learning some of the challenges of motherhood. It's a full time job for sure. But I'm happy to have the responsibility! 👶🏽💕

— RAVEN ELYSE (@RavenElyseTV) April 15, 2016

 

 

Try using motherhood!

True or False?

Motherhood is usually thought to end when a mother’s child is an adult.