noun

motherland

MUHTH-uh-land

noun

One's native country, especially spoken of with strong emotional or patriotic attachment.

"Millions of soldiers died defending their motherland."

"She returned to her motherland after thirty years abroad."

How to Use Motherland

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person's home country, especially when talked about with pride or deep loyalty.

Common pairings

return to the motherland defend the motherland love of the motherland

motherlands plural

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Millions of soldiers died defending their _____.

From mother + land, echoing the ancient pattern of personifying a homeland as a parent (compare fatherland).

fatherland homeland

homeland fatherland

overland neverland Cumberland Sunderland fatherland wonderland Sutherland Switzerland Northumberland

fatherland homeland