# matron

/ˈmeɪtɹən/ (US) · /mˈeɪtɹən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/matron
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. senior nurse

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a senior female nurse who is in charge of the other nurses in a hospital.

For teachers: a senior nursing officer, typically female, who manages the nursing staff and domestic affairs of a hospital or ward.

- The matron walked through the ward to check that every patient was comfortable.
- The hospital matron maintained a strict regime, ensuring that hygiene standards were met and that junior staff followed protocol precisely.

Usage: Common in British English healthcare contexts; less common in modern American medical settings.

### 2. dignified older woman

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a mature or older woman who has a high social position and behaves in a serious way.

For teachers: a mature woman, often married or widowed, who possesses a dignified or imposing social presence.

- The local matrons gathered at the town hall to discuss the charity event.
- She had transformed from a rebellious youth into a respectable matron, active in the city's most prestigious social circles.

Usage: Often carries a connotation of traditional values or social conservatism.

### 3. institutional manager

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a woman who manages the domestic life of a school or other large building.

For teachers: a woman employed to manage the domestic arrangements or supervise the residents of an institution, such as a boarding school.

- The school matron made sure all the students had clean uniforms for the ceremony.
- As the boarding school matron, she was responsible for everything from the laundry services to the emotional well-being of the younger pupils.

### 4. prison officer

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

a female officer who works in a prison for women.

For teachers: a female prison guard or official in charge of female inmates.

- The prison matron escorted the visitor to the meeting room.
- The facility employed several matrons to oversee the women's wing and manage daily security checks.

Usage: This term is becoming less common in modern professional corrections, replaced by 'correctional officer'.

## Examples

- The hospital matron makes sure everything is clean and organized.
- The school matron was responsible for the health and well-being of all the students living in the dormitory.
- The committee was composed of several local matrons who had dedicated their retirement to preserving the town's historical architecture and traditions.

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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.