mother lode

noun

1
: the principal vein or lode of a region
2
: a principal source or supply

Examples of mother lode in a Sentence

the university has long been a mother lode of athletic talent, with many alumni joining the rarefied ranks of the professionals
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Considering how much Italy is growing in terms of national branding, accessing the mother lode of tourism could be a great opportunity for foreign investors interested in Italy. Andrea Pietrini, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 There are nearly 1,600 types of beans alone in this mother lode called The Exchange, each with its own story of human connection. Margaret Roach, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 But recently, the Leawood resident (a scientific illustrator by trade) struck the mother lode. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 Related article Parents are up against the ‘mother lode’ of holiday stress. Andrea Kane, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for mother lode

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mother lode was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

“Mother lode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother%20lode. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

mother lode

noun
: the main vein or deposit of an ore (as gold) in a region
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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