Library / English Dictionary

MATRON

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

A married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("matron" is a kind of...):

married woman; wife (a married woman; a man's partner in marriage)

Derivation:

matronly (befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A woman in charge of nursing in a medical institution

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("matron" is a kind of...):

nurse (one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician))

adult female; woman (an adult female person (as opposed to a man))

Sense 3

Meaning:

A wardress in a prison

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("matron" is a kind of...):

wardress (a woman warder)

Credits

 Context examples: 

I also doubt if any young matron ever began life with so rich a supply of dusters, holders, and piece bags, for Beth made enough to last till the silver wedding came round, and invented three different kinds of dishcloths for the express service of the bridal china.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)