# mothering

/ˈməðɝɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈʌðəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mothering
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to care for someone in a warm, protective way, like a mother cares for a child. You use it for kind care, and sometimes for too much care.

For teachers: to nurture or protect someone with maternal care and attention; often implies close, attentive or at times overprotective care.

## Examples

- She is mothering her young son with great care.
- After the surgery, his sister spent weeks mothering him, cooking meals and checking his medication.
- Her mothering extended beyond her own children to every stray animal and lonely neighbour who crossed her path.

## Synonyms

nurture, overprotect

## Antonyms

neglect

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often a person receiving care.

---

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.