matronly

American  

[mey-truhn-lee] / ˈmeɪ trən li /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a matron; maturely dignified; stately.

2. characteristic of or suitable for a matron.

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ˈmatronly British  

/ ˈmeɪtrənlɪ /

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or suitable for a matron; staid and dignified in a manner associated with a middle-aged, usually plump, woman

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Other Word Forms

• matronliness noun

Etymology

Origin of matronly

First recorded in 1650–60; matron + -ly

Example Sentences

The dress was off the shoulder; she is clearly attuned to the small details that ensure that, at 71, she never looks matronly.

From Washington Post • Apr. 26, 2023

Out is the matronly decorum that characterized Elizabeth’s reign.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

The leadership went so far as to put Mistral on the currency, and promoted her image as a matronly schoolteacher for the nation.

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2023

The wavy coif and puffy jowls of the father disguised as a matronly housekeeper.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2022

Behind them stood a large matronly woman with thick ankles and all the buttons done up on her long overcoat.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy