adj

motherless

Motherless (adj) means having no mother, whether through death, absence, or abandonment. Example: “The charity cares for motherless children in the region.”

adj

Having no mother, whether through death, absence, or abandonment.

"The charity cares for motherless children in the region."

"He grew up motherless, raised by his grandparents."

How to use motherless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWithout a mother.

Common pairings

motherless child motherless calf

Word forms

more motherless comparative, most motherless superlative

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The charity cares for _____ children in the region.

Etymology

From Middle English moderles, from Old English mōdorlēas, from Proto-Germanic *mōdērlausaz, equivalent to mother + -less. Cognate with Saterland Frisian muurloos (“motherless”), Dutch moederloos (“motherless”), German mutterlos (“motherless”), Danish moderløs (“motherless”), Swedish moderlös (“motherless”), Icelandic móðurlaus (“motherless”).

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for motherless

peerless powerless fatherless

See all rhymes for motherless →

Frequently asked questions

What does “motherless” mean?

The word “motherless” means having no mother, whether through death, absence, or abandonment. In plain terms, without a mother.

How do you use “motherless” in a sentence?

Here is “motherless” used in a sentence: “The charity cares for motherless children in the region.”

What part of speech is “motherless”?

“Motherless” is an adjective.

What is the meaning of motherless?

"motherless" (adj) means having no mother, whether through death, absence, or abandonment.