Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And while Anglo-American lullabies are typically written in major keys, Gershwin chose a minor one—evoking the depth and dignity of such African-American spirituals as “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

In the interview, Jonathan discusses his brand new book, Brooklyn Crime Novel, which revisits themes and settings that Jonathan engaged with in his previous works, Fortress of Solitude and Motherless Brooklyn.

From Slate • Oct. 1, 2023

Motherless children can attend special summer camps, for instance, or Mother’s Day retreats like those hosted by the Massachusetts-based non-profit EmpowerHer, which works with girls whose mothers have died.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2023

Between the two, the spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” is deconstructed through a series of variations in which the theme never returns, and the ending is denied a clean resolution.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2021

Motherless candidates confused her, and in motherless elections she stayed at home.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole