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 sweet little shrug that the grown-up, matronly Dakota Johnson gives to Dismukes, as he gawks at her younger self strutting around the stage, makes the entire sketch worthwhile.

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2024

She treats herself to a belted dress accurately described as Shirley Temple-meets-not-fully-deprogrammed-Wednesday Addams chic – one that she wears well, but the 20-something boutique clerk makes her question by presenting her with matronly alternatives.

From Salon • Aug. 6, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

But Barbara Bush wasn’t thrilled with Abrams’s matronly portrait of her.

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2022

From above the woman’s figure looked even more matronly and reassuring.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole