motherly

adjective

moth·​er·​ly ˈmə-t͟hər-lē 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother

motherly advice

2

: resembling a mother : maternal

motherliness noun

Synonyms

• maternal
• mother

Examples of motherly in a Sentence

She took her motherly duties very seriously.

she showed a sweet motherly tenderness toward the tiny kitten she was taking care of

Recent Examples on the Web

Everyday Eastwick 4-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $40 Time and Tru Leighton Mini Bucket Bag, $25 The Pioneer Woman Raffia Tote Bag For the motherly figure that loves watching Ree Drummond’s cooking show, this raffia tote bag from The Pioneer Woman’s Walmart line is the perfect get. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025

Physically unhurt but deeply shaken, she is taken in by a local woman who witnessed the accident and now cares for Laura with motherly devotion. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025

The attendant was not warm or gentle, but her assertive touch felt motherly, even sensible. —Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

Castro and de Oliveria, both warm and motherly presences, embraced the two immediately. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for motherly

• brotherly
• southerly

Kids Definition

motherly

adjective

moth·​er·​ly ˈmət͟h-ər-lē 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother

motherly affection

2

: resembling a mother

motherliness noun