matron

noun

ma·​tron ˈmā-trən 

1

a

: a married woman usually marked by dignified maturity or social distinction (see distinction sense 4a)

b

: a woman who supervises women or children (as in a school or police station)

c

: the chief officer in a women's organization

2

: a female animal kept for breeding

Synonyms

• dame
• dowager
• grande dame
• matriarch

Examples of matron in a Sentence

society matrons who organize benefits for charity

the matron of a school for girls

Recent Examples on the Web

While Nica was brutally abused by the matron, Rigel was her favorite and the only child spared from her abuse — which only exacerbated his feelings of isolation and shame. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

Behind a bald and bespectacled priest (representing religion), a matron pushes a baby carriage alongside three white geese (family). —Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

In the book, Nica and Rigel often talk about their complicated history with the matron from their childhood, Margaret Stoker. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

One was a prison matron who had the voice of a pro. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English matrone, from Anglo-French, from Latin matrona, from matr-, mater

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing matron

• matron of honor

Kids Definition

matron

noun

ma·​tron ˈmā-trən 

1

: a usually mature and dignified married woman

2

: a woman in charge of the household affairs of an institution

3

: a woman who supervises women prisoners in a police station or jail

Medical Definition

matron

noun

ma·​tron ˈmā-trən 

British

: a woman superintendent of a medical institution (as a hospital)