matron
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a senior female nurse who is in charge of the other nurses in a hospital.
a senior nursing officer, typically female, who manages the nursing staff and domestic affairs of a hospital or ward.
Simple“The matron walked through the ward to check that every patient was comfortable.”
In context“The hospital matron maintained a strict regime, ensuring that hygiene standards were met and that junior staff followed protocol precisely.”
UsageCommon in British English healthcare contexts; less common in modern American medical settings.
Synonymshead nursenursing officer - 02 C1 Advanced
a mature or older woman who has a high social position and behaves in a serious way.
a mature woman, often married or widowed, who possesses a dignified or imposing social presence.
Simple“The local matrons gathered at the town hall to discuss the charity event.”
In context“She had transformed from a rebellious youth into a respectable matron, active in the city's most prestigious social circles.”
UsageOften carries a connotation of traditional values or social conservatism.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a woman who manages the domestic life of a school or other large building.
a woman employed to manage the domestic arrangements or supervise the residents of an institution, such as a boarding school.
Simple“The school matron made sure all the students had clean uniforms for the ceremony.”
In context“As the boarding school matron, she was responsible for everything from the laundry services to the emotional well-being of the younger pupils.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
a female officer who works in a prison for women.
a female prison guard or official in charge of female inmates.
Simple“The prison matron escorted the visitor to the meeting room.”
In context“The facility employed several matrons to oversee the women's wing and manage daily security checks.”
UsageThis term is becoming less common in modern professional corrections, replaced by 'correctional officer'.
Synonymswardressguard
From Middle English matrone, from Old French matrone, from Latin mātrōna (“married woman”), from māter (“mother”). Doublet of matrona.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.