motherless

adjective

moth·​er·​less ˈmət͟hə(r)lə̇s How to pronounce motherless (audio)
Synonyms of motherlessnext
: having no mother
especially : having no mother living
a motherless child
motherlessly adverb
motherlessness noun
plural -es

Word History

Etymology

Middle English moderles, from Old English mōdorlēas, from mōdor mother + -lēas -less

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Cite this Entry

“Motherless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motherless. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

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