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
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
These hospitals are located in areas with few or no other maternal care options nearby.
—
Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025
He was named after his maternal grandpa, JFK, as well as Jackie's father, John Vernon Bouvier III.
—Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
The actions since late summer will leave the country less prepared for the next measles outbreak, foodborne illness cluster, maternal mortality crisis, or emerging pandemic.
—Dr. Debra Houry, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
One solution could be mobile clinics focused on behavioral health, maternal health and chronic disease prevention that operate within their neighborhoods.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maternal
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Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025
He was named after his maternal grandpa, JFK, as well as Jackie's father, John Vernon Bouvier III.
—Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
The actions since late summer will leave the country less prepared for the next measles outbreak, foodborne illness cluster, maternal mortality crisis, or emerging pandemic.
—Dr. Debra Houry, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
One solution could be mobile clinics focused on behavioral health, maternal health and chronic disease prevention that operate within their neighborhoods.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maternal
Cite this Entry
“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maternal. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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