# Martha

/ˈmɑɹθə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/martha
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. personal name

noun · CEFR B2

a traditional female name, originally from the Bible.

For teachers: a female given name of Aramaic origin, most notably referring to the sister of Lazarus and Mary in the New Testament.

- Martha was a very popular name for girls in the early twentieth century.
- The biblical figure Martha is often depicted in art as a symbol of active service and domestic diligence.

### 2. mushroom greenhouse

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Technical

a small indoor greenhouse with a machine that keeps the air wet, used to grow mushrooms.

For teachers: a small-scale indoor greenhouse equipped with a humidifier and ventilation, specifically designed for the cultivation of mushrooms.

- He set up a Martha in his spare room to grow oyster mushrooms.
- Maintaining the correct humidity levels inside a Martha is crucial for preventing the substrate from drying out during the fruiting stage.

Usage: Often used as a common noun despite its origin as a proper name.

## Examples

- She is a real Martha, always making sure everyone has enough to eat.
- While the rest of the family relaxed by the pool, she played the Martha, spending the entire afternoon preparing a four-course dinner.
- The narrative contrasts the contemplative life with that of the Martha, suggesting that while domestic labor is essential for the household, it can distract from more profound intellectual pursuits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.