mother

Mother is a female parent who bears, gives birth to, or raises a child. The term can refer to a biological mother, an adoptive mother, or a female caregiver who performs a maternal role. In biological terms, a mother contributes half the genetic material to her offspring and often provides prenatal development, birth, and postnatal care, including nursing in mammals, though caregiving roles can be taken by others if needed.

Across cultures, motherhood is both a biological function and a social role shaped by law, norms, and economic conditions. Expectations of motherhood, motherhood-related duties, and policies such as maternity leave and child care vary widely. The concept also encompasses non-biological motherhood through adoption, surrogacy, and long-term caregiving by guardians, relatives, or foster parents.

In religion and culture, maternal figures are revered as mother goddesses and maternal archetypes; the Virgin Mary in Christianity and various maternal deities in other traditions symbolize nurture, protection, and life-giving power. In literature and psychology, the mother–child relationship is a central topic, influencing development and emotional health; theories by John Bowlby and others emphasize attachment, while sociocultural research considers how gender roles influence maternal experiences.

The term "mother" is also used as a form of address and as a symbol of homeland, nature, or origin, such as Mother Earth. The word's meaning is shaped by context, from intimate family bonds to public debates about parenting, reproduction, and maternal rights.