mother country

noun

Definition of mother countrynext
1
as in birthplace
a place of origin Greece can boast to being the mother country of democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in home
the land of one's birth, residence, or citizenship even after decades of living in their adopted nation, they maintained a strong attachment to the mother country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 mother country The world premiere by Burlingame playwright Geetha Reddy starts off as an HR dispute about sexism at an aerospace company, only to tap into centuries-old resentments dating from Indian immigrant employees’ mother country. — Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Feb. 2026 Even so, Maduro’s ouster gave her a lot of hope for her mother country. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026 Rich in mood and gripping in narrative, the book starred a protagonist who stood at odds with his mother country and the political apparatus consuming it. — David Morgan, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2025 Since the condition of the Royal Navy was of prime importance to the British Parliament, during the colonial era that body passed several acts that sought to entice or compel colonists in British North America to produce naval stores for the benefit of the mother country. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mother country
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mother country
  1. birthplace
  2. home
  3. cradle
  4. country
Noun
  • Despite a less tragic upbringing that saw her family spend time abroad, the vibrant but cynical Yasmina (Mounia Akl) has grown bitter toward her birthplace and toward life itself.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Once the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the city of Manchester has, in recent decades, reconstituted itself as a fast-growing services hub also known for its football teams, music, and night life.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of birthplace
Noun
  • The state’s lawsuit focuses on communication and procedural issues, alleging that Jackson County did not follow the proper legal steps notifying homeowners before raising home values by upwards of 15% per parcel.
    — Ilana Arougheti July 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Torrential rains caused flash floods that swamped homes, washed out bridges and led to water rescues in West Virginia, authorities said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of home
Noun
  • Our top choice, the Harkla Sensory Swing for Kids & Adults, functions as a highly flexible therapeutic cradle to help kids find a comfortable, secure position in no time.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • Ghostbusters was indeed a financial disappointment; the movie lost millions of dollars, killing a potential franchise in its cradle.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
Definition of cradle
Noun
  • The tapestry of nationalities that make up this country were able to support their teams in the greatest sporting event on Earth.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • After 104 games across three countries over five and a half weeks, the 23rd edition of the men’s World Cup was down to its closing stages.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of country

Browse Nearby Words

mother countries
mother country
mothered
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Cite this Entry

“Mother country.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mother%20country. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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