matriarch
/ˈmeɪtrɪɑːk
/noun
1A woman who is the head of a family or tribe: in some cultures the mother proceeds to the status of a matriarch...
- We are becoming the family patriarchs and matriarchs and the mantle sits uneasily on our shoulders.
- Then there's The Boss - the matriarch of the family, a lovely lady and very much the driving force behind the restaurant.
- Historically, soap storylines built around families, matriarchs, and patriarchs have not been diverse.
1.1An older woman who is powerful within a family or organization: a domineering matriarch...
- Strong, beautiful and powerful matriarchs of your societies, historically it has been you who have lost the most by not discussing this issue.
- The organization contributed to the development of the matriarch of Philly basketball.
- There's nothing quite like a domineering matriarch to fall in love with and Streep not only neuters her on-screen male counterparts but the audience as well.
Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin mater 'mother', on the false analogy of patriarch.