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
  • Graham is the unabashed matriarch of the flock, who every year chooses the destination, books the hut, plans the menu, does meal prep, and designs the commemorative T-shirts.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 July 2026
  • In May 2022, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch shared the details of her Los Angeles home with daughter Kourtney’s lifestyle brand Poosh.
    — Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 30 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
  • Since no will stating otherwise was ever found, if Lizzie’s father, Andrew, predeceased his wife, then her stepmother was to inherit his fortune, while the two spinster daughters would receive nothing.
    — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Thatcher’s Elle is trying to reconnect with her disreputable father while battling an evil stepmother and trying to avoid a brutal serial killer.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
Definition of stepmother
Noun
  • The course is built to walk parents step-by-step through mastering budget-busting expenses like diapers, wipes, formula, and groceries while building a supportive community of like-minded moms.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026
  • Jacobson, alongside her sisters Mamie and Grace, followed in their mom’s footsteps and became actors.
    — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of mom
Noun
  • The proud mama hit the ski slopes with her family while visiting Whistler, British Columbia in February 2026.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Then, Yancy comes home to his girlfriend and baby mama to find Kai on the porch standing guard.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 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 5 Aug. 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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
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
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All