maternal

adjective

ma·​ter·​nal mə-ˈtər-nᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : motherly

maternal love

maternal instincts

2

a

: related through a mother

his maternal aunt

b

: inherited or derived from the female parent

maternal genes

maternally

mə-ˈtər-nᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• mother
• motherly

Examples of maternal in a Sentence

Doctors are concerned about the effects of the drug on maternal health.

her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

Recent Examples on the Web

Her dream is to open a birthing center for Black pregnant women, who suffer from a significantly higher rate of maternal mortality than women of other races. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024

When Meghan was unpopular, or the British press was feeling particularly racist, Kate was the steadfast maternal icon who could be counted on to lead the British in times of trouble, whereas Meghan was troublingly mercurial and far too trendy to be trusted. —Constance Grady, Vox, 6 June 2024

Each year, 38 states across the United States, including Wisconsin, submit maternal mortality data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 June 2024

While the current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommend that breastfed infants receive 10 mcg (400 UI) of vitamin D supplement drops per day, high-dose maternal supplementation may be an effective alternative to delivering adequate vitamin D to the baby. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French maternel, from Medieval Latin maternalis, from Latin maternus, from mater mother — more at mother

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

maternal

adjective

ma·​ter·​nal mə-ˈtərn-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to a mother : motherly

2

a

: related through a mother

maternal grandparents

b

: obtained or received from a female parent

maternal chromosomes

maternally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

Etymology

Middle English maternal "maternal, of or like a mother," from early French maternel (same meaning), from Latin maternus "maternal," from mater "mother" — related to alma mater

Medical Definition

maternal

adjective

ma·​ter·​nal mə-ˈtərn-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother

maternal instinct

2

a

: related through a mother

his maternal aunt

b

: inherited or derived from the female parent

maternal genes

maternally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb