mothering

USMUTH-ur-ing/ˈmʌðəɹɪŋ/SayMUTH-uh-ringUK/ˈmʌðəɹɪŋ/AUS/ˈmɐðəɹɪŋ/

5 meanings of mothering

1
noununcountable
The loving care a mother gives to her child as it grows.
Like a hen keeping her chicks warm and safe under her wings.
Good mothering helped the baby feel safe and loved.
She learned a lot about mothering from her own mom.
Similarparenting, care
Oppositeneglect
Note
2
noununcountable
The way a mother keeps her child safe from harm.
Like a guard dog watching over the children in the yard.
Her fierce mothering kept the toddler away from the busy road.
The lioness showed strong mothering whenever danger came near.
Similarprotectiveness
3
verb
Present participle of mother. Use this -ing form when the caring action is happening now.
She is mothering the new kitten with great care.
They keep mothering their younger cousins at every family visit.
Note
4
noununcountable
Kind, caring behavior toward someone, much like the way a mother cares for her child.
Like a big sister looking after the younger kids.
His mothering of the new students made them feel welcome.
The team captain's mothering kept everyone calm and looked after.
Similarcoddling, babying, fussing
Note

Less common meaning

5
nounobsoleteuncountableabbreviationclipping
A short form of a-mothering: the old custom of going home to visit your mother or home church.
Note

mothering is a form of mother

mother, verb: To care for and protect someone the way a loving mother would. Full entry

Forms: mothermothers he/she/itmothering -ing formmothered past tense, past participle
Spelling: mother → mothering: add -ing

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Origin

This word comes from "mother" plus the ending "-ing".