noun
matron
MAYT-ruhn
noun
1
An older, often respected woman, especially one seen as dignified or authoritative.
"The matron of the household ran a tight ship over the servants."
2
The senior nurse in charge of a hospital ward or unit.
"The matron insisted all visitors wash their hands before entering the ward."
How to Use Matron
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mature, often senior woman, especially one in charge of a household, institution, or hospital ward.
UK vs US
The "senior hospital nurse" sense is mainly British; American English tends to use "head nurse" or "nurse manager."
Common pairings
hospital matron
stern matron
Word Forms
matrons plural
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The _____ of the household ran a tight ship over the servants.
Etymology
From Old French matrone, from Latin mātrōna, "married woman," from māter, "mother."