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Definition of maternity

maternity

/məˈtɜːr.nɪ.ti/
ma · ter · ni · ty
Adverb:maternally
•
Plural:maternities
•
Adjective:maternal
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maternity Lexical Profile

maternity Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, intended for, or taking place during pregnancy and the period shortly after childbirth.

Example

"The company recently updated its human resources policy to offer twelve weeks of paid maternity leave."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The state, experience, or period of being a mother, especially during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth.

Example

"Her paintings often explore the complex joys and physical demands of maternity."

2

A hospital department or clinic specializing in the medical care of women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Example

"She worked as a senior midwife in maternity for over fifteen years."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for maternity
Antonyms
View all antonyms for maternity

• Rhymes for maternity

• Nearby Words

maternal
maternalistic
maternally
maternity
matey
math
mathematical

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French maternité or Medieval Latin maternitas, derived from the Latin adjective maternus ('motherly'), from mater ('mother').

Cite this Entry

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