Definition of motherlandnext
1
as in birthplace
a place of origin for many oenophiles, France remains the motherland of fine wines

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2
as in home
the land of one's birth, residence, or citizenship all his life he longed to return to his motherland

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 motherland This isn’t the first time that food from the motherland has had me in a chokehold. Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026 In one, second-generation immigrant Gloria (Katy Correa) returns to her father’s home village in rural Guinea-Bissau for a traditional memorial ritual to mark the old man’s recent passing, and to introduce her twentysomething daughter Nour (D’Johé Kouadio) to her ancestral motherland. Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026 Doja Cat‘s South African homecoming may have been brought to a halt when Hey Neighbour festival canceled its 2025 staging, but the Grammy winner will finally get to visit her motherland this spring. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026 Fatherland implied heritage and tradition, while motherland suggests place of birth and sense of belonging. Melinda Laituri, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motherland
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherland
Noun
  • Also, as the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the museum features a gallery of artwork from the famous comic's local creators.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Boredom is the birthplace of creativity and full presence.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • The deliberate blackouts, commonly known as Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, events, are affecting homes and businesses in eight counties north and west of Sacramento County.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • Christina Baanders-Decker and her husband, who run Midwest Cyclery in Westport, were ecstatic to learn the Dutch national team would call Kansas City home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Understand cash inflow from cradle to grave and look at the forecast and cash flow weekly, holding everyone accountable for knowing their numbers and delivering on their numbers.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Back inside the booth, Wynne places the receiver gently back into its cradle.
    Itay Hod, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The first World Cup match on American soil in more than a generation and the start of a tournament that has the potential to alter the direction of soccer in this country for the next generation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • Sebastien Bozon | Afp | Getty Images Switzerland, a wealthy country that has historically embraced free movement and foreign investment, is about to vote on whether to cap its population — and restrict immigration measures to do so.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Executive Order 12333 isn’t merely an alternative spying power, wrote Eddington, who focuses on homeland security and civil liberties at the Cato Institute.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
  • One woman told him of the desperation that drove her to leave her homeland and family, the trauma of the crossings, and her gratitude at finding safety and a new life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motherland.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherland. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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