mother superior
n. countablen. the woman who is the head of a group of nuns. She is in charge of running a convent or a similar religious house.
n. the title of a woman who serves as the administrative and spiritual head of a religious community of women, such as a convent or monastery.
The mother superior manages the daily life of the convent.
The mother superior met with the local bishop to discuss the renovation of the nunnery's chapel.
In many religious orders, the mother superior is elected by her peers to lead the community for a fixed term of several years.
Usage
Often used as a title before a name or as a direct form of address.
Last updated July 28, 2026