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 The Basic Instinct star has previously opened up about motherhood. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 3 Nov. 2026 Quizzed about possible common themes across the festival’s wide-ranging slate, Tramberg feels family stories – in particular about motherhood – are perhaps the most striking overarching themes. — Annika Pham, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026 But Pauley was, in fact, responsible for changing the way pregnancy and motherhood in the workplace were viewed. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026 Not technically a motherhood show, but Helen trying to keep an entire family together while everybody is simultaneously creating a different emergency feels accurate. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026 There’s a lot going on for Grey’s Anatomy with Blue fighting to reclaim his place at Grey Sloan as Joe is pulled from motherhood back into the OR, and Jules and Winston navigate their strained relationship. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 Balancing activism and motherhood Huerta was a change-maker while also raising 11 children, which gave her kids a front-row seat to her activism. — Jasmine Aguilera, Time, 28 Oct. 2026 The seven-volume series chronicles her life from her childhood in Arkansas through motherhood. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 28 Oct. 2026 Powell, whose children are 16 and 12, talks often on the trail about motherhood. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherhood
  1. mothering
  2. maternity
  3. fatherhood
  4. paternity
Noun
  • The cultural ascendance of intensive mothering, in which mothers are deemed entirely responsible for their children’s well-being and success, has upped the ante.
    — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of mothering
Noun
  • Short-term, limited-duration plans often do not cover maternity care and commonly don’t have an annual limit on out-of-pocket costs.
    — Helen Levy, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Healthcare helpline Out-of-pocket maternity expenses are difficult to predict.
    — Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of maternity
Noun
  • In July, Allen opened up to PEOPLE exclusively about how his approach to football has changed since fatherhood.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Lee uses the image as a metaphor for fatherhood and the sacrifices parents make for their children.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of fatherhood
Noun
  • Owens, a California native living in Arizona, filed a paternity lawsuit against Echard in 2023 seeking child support, according to prosecutors.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly two years after that paternity accusation was made public, radio journalist Young was approached by Glass Entertainment in May 2025 about hosting what would become the Love Trapped limited series podcast.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of paternity

Browse Nearby Words

mothered
motherhood
motherhoods
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Cite this Entry

“Motherhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherhood. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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