Mother Hubbard

noun

Mother Hub·​bard -ˈhə-bərd How to pronounce Mother Hubbard (audio)
: a loose usually shapeless dress

Word History

Etymology

probably from Mother Hubbard, character in a nursery rhyme

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mother Hubbard was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near Mother Hubbard

Cite this Entry

“Mother Hubbard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mother%20Hubbard. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Mother Hubbard

noun
Mother Hub·​bard ˌmət͟h-ər-ˈhəb-ərd How to pronounce Mother Hubbard (audio)
: a loose usually shapeless dress
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