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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of motherland

First recorded in 1705–15; mother 1 + land

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Much of the domestic reaction centred on Korean-Canadian co-director Maggie Kang's emotional acceptance speech, with the Seoul-born filmmaker dedicating the prizes to her motherland.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

The AINs are far outnumbered by the dozens of Russian-born athletes who have dodged the ban on their motherland and taken to the ice and snow under the flags of other countries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

His 2025 juggernaut, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” however, goes far beyond the usual motherland worship; the album’s greatest takeaway is to cherish not just the place, but the people you call home, too.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

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 • Sep. 27, 2025

Then he puts her right side up and laughs a great big Conquistador laugh that comes all the way from the green, motherland hills of Spain.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez