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 complete their training at the motherhouse before being assigned to other locations.
• The order's motherhouse served as the administrative center for all affiliated convents.
• She was called back to the motherhouse to serve as the new Mother Superior.
• The motherhouse contained the archives documenting the order's 200-year history.
• Donations from around the world helped renovate the aging motherhouse.