materfamilias

noun

Definition of materfamiliasnext
as in matriarch

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of materfamilias The novel recounts the history and hardships of the Binewski clan, carnival folk whose pater- and materfamilias, Al and Crystal Lil, create their own freak show. — Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2022 But with tact and humanity, this materfamilias has still calmed the waters. — Boyd Van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2019 Though the Roundabout production, which opened on Tuesday evening, stars Elizabeth McGovern as the materfamilias, the story really is Kay’s. — Jesse Green, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for materfamilias
  1. matriarch
  2. matron
  3. stepmother
  4. mom
  5. mama
Noun
  • Impressively, on an island of big brands, this hotel is still owned and operated by the O'Hara family, whose matriarch, Cynthia, and her husband Budge purchased the place in the mid-1950s.
    — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • Instead, menopause elevates them to the respected role of matriarchs in their families.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 July 2026
Definition of matriarch
Noun
  • Since then, Hills has worked in various hospitals and wards, including spending 10 years as a ward sister and a matron, which are both senior roles for nurses.
    — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • How did a young Upper East Side matron with a small daughter and a dormant career as an art historian get here?
    — Lisa Henricksson, Air Mail, 27 June 2026
Definition of matron
Noun
  • The morning of Alfonzo’s debut, his sister and stepmother, who had been missing since two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela last month, were found dead.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • The Democratic congresswoman, 52, has been married to Harris since 2014 and is stepmother to his daughter.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Definition of stepmother
Noun
  • Redefining what support looks like for Atlanta mothers Atlanta fashion model applies lessons learned as a young mom.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • Everyone—blue-collar moms, college students, CEOs—suffers from the distractions of carrying around the pinging, blinking pocket-size casinos that our phones have become.
    — Xochitl Gonzalez, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of mom
Noun
  • Her middle child, Sayveon, was the perfect picture of a mama’s boy.
    — Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • As Kourtney’s first and only daughter, Penelope has always gotten lots of love from her mama.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Definition of mama

Browse Nearby Words

mater
materfamilias
materfamiliases
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Materfamilias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/materfamilias. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All