1. the main convent or monastery of a religious order, from which other houses are established
Usage: religious

Examples

• The Sisters of Charity established their motherhouse in Kentucky in 1812.
• Novices often travel to the motherhouse for their final training.
• The motherhouse serves as the administrative center for all the order's convents.
• She was called to serve at the motherhouse after twenty years in mission work.
• The beautiful gardens surrounding the motherhouse provide a peaceful retreat.
• Documents from the motherhouse confirmed the founding date of the local convent.