# mother superior

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mother-superior
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

the woman who is the head of a group of nuns. She is in charge of running a convent or a similar religious house.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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 notes

- Often used as a title before a name or as a direct form of address.

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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.