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Definition of maternal

maternal

/məˈtɝːnl/
ma · ter · nal
Adverb:maternally
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maternal Lexical Profile

maternal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.

Example

"Expanding access to prenatal care has significantly improved maternal health outcomes across the region."

2

Denoting feelings or behaviors typical of a caring, protective, and affectionate mother.

Example

"The older sister always took a warm, maternal approach when looking after her younger siblings."

3

Related through the mother's side of the family.

Example

"He spent every summer visiting his maternal grandparents at their cottage in Maine."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for maternal

• Nearby Words

materialization
materialize
materially
maternal
maternalistic
maternally
maternity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French 'maternel' or directly from Late Latin 'maternalis', derived from Latin 'maternus' ('of a mother'), from 'mater' ('mother').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maternal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maternal
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