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

Kidman’s been on a run of playing overachieving matrons lately, in roles from Big Little Lies to the upcoming The Perfect Couple. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024

In 1931, a 16-year-old Black boy, Alexander McClay Williams was sentenced to death for the murder of a white school matron, 34-year-old Vida Robare. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2024

Evidence suggests that an official pool of matrons existed in Newcastle upon Tyne from 1433 to 1435. —Alice Neikirk, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2024

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

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)