Mother Hubbard

noun

Mother Hub·​bard -ˈhə-bərd How to pronounce Mother Hubbard (audio)
Synonyms of Mother Hubbardnext
: a loose usually shapeless dress

Word History

Etymology

probably from Mother Hubbard, character in a nursery rhyme

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mother Hubbard was in 1885

Rhymes for Mother Hubbard

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Browse Nearby Words

motherhouse
Mother Hubbard
Mothering Sunday
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Cite this Entry

“Mother Hubbard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mother%20Hubbard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Mother Hubbard

noun
Mother Hub·​bard ˌmət͟h-ər-ˈhəb-ərd How to pronounce Mother Hubbard (audio)
: a loose usually shapeless dress
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