matronymic

noun

mat·​ro·​nym·​ic ˌma-trə-ˈni-mik How to pronounce matronymic (audio)
Synonyms of matronymicnext
: a name derived from that of the mother or a maternal ancestor

Word History

Etymology

matr- + -onymic (as in patronymic)

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matronymic was in 1794

Rhymes for matronymic

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Browse Nearby Words

matronship
matronymic
matross
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matronymic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matronymic. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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