motherhood

noun

Definition of motherhoodnext
as in mothering

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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 motherhood In an effort to overcome grief and find herself again, Hollis gets the idea to host a weekend away at her house on Nantucket with three friends from different stages in her life—childhood, college, motherhood—and one surprise guest. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026 Katia Lindor is speaking out about her experiences with motherhood with the intent of helping others. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Known for being private about the subject, the Enola Holmes actor opened up about motherhood and her decision to adopt during a lengthy interview on Jay Shetty’s video podcast On Purpose. — Anna Zucca, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026 Beginning in 1999, when the girls are just nine, Sanguinetti captures their childhood games of make-believe slowly giving way to the weight of adulthood – work, family, motherhood and diverging paths. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 July 2026 Meanwhile, Rose recognizes her desire for a second child, a second chance at motherhood and family life. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 In motherhood, the smallest wins tend to have the biggest impact. — Parents, 13 July 2026 Just like her motherhood, Suki is remaining open to the timing of her life. — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026 Lohman, now an acting coach, reflected on her decision not to juggle a film career with motherhood. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherhood
  1. mothering
  2. maternity
  3. fatherhood
  4. paternity
Noun
  • To make their point perfectly clear, women are sharing photos of themselves breastfeeding in front of Old Masters paintings in museums that depict the very same mothering act.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026
  • Yet the history of motherhood has remained largely untold, and the narrative is not often driven by the people who do the actual mothering.
    — Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Definition of mothering
Noun
  • The lawsuit described plaintiffs who were selected for termination while on maternity or paternity leave, and others who were on medical leave for disabilities.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2026
  • Throughout the buzzy press tour for the upcoming debut of The Odyssey, Anne Hathaway has given a masterclass in maternity dressing.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of maternity
Noun
  • Despite the few photos, Levine has spoken publicly about his children and fatherhood.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
  • The nature of fatherhood is a recurrent preoccupation in McElwee’s work.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Definition of fatherhood
Noun
  • Eventually, their bond will sour with Raskova using her knowledge of Zoya’s scandalous paternity (Zoya’s father is heavily hinted to be either Brezhnev or a son of Brezhnev) against Irina somehow, until Irina turns the tables on Raskova herself.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • While many acknowledge the historical evidence connecting Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, there are some descendants who believe the evidence presented does not prove paternity with absolute certainty and is therefore inconclusive.
    — Briana Stewart, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of paternity

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on motherhood

Nglish: Translation of motherhood for Spanish Speakers

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