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.
Related article Parents are up against the ‘mother lode’ of holiday stress. Katia Hetter, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 Brands briefly digs below the surface to question whether Lindbergh and Roosevelt were sincere, but further digging would have unearthed a mother lode of insincerities. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 From their inception, the Rockies have continually sought better pitching and seldom struck the mother lode. Chuck Murr, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 Being kind and realistic with themselves, finding time to connect with friends and nature, and asking for help are all ways to help manage the mother lode of stresses parents are under. Kara Alaimo, CNN, 1 Sep. 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

Dictionary Entries Near mother lode

Cite this Entry

“Mother lode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother%20lode. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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