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
Programs targeting infant mortality, youth violence, smoking, maternal and child health, mental health, obesity, lead poisoning and infectious disease tracking have been slashed.
—
Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
The untitled psychological thriller, which recently wrapped principal photography, explores maternal mental health and marks the couple’s debut as producers.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Additional risks include low birth weight, birth via Caesarian section, maternal obesity, and even parental age older than 40.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
From Carlo’s maternal grandfather’s side, Giulia Salzano was the founder of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus located near Naples in Italy.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maternal
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Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
The untitled psychological thriller, which recently wrapped principal photography, explores maternal mental health and marks the couple’s debut as producers.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Additional risks include low birth weight, birth via Caesarian section, maternal obesity, and even parental age older than 40.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
From Carlo’s maternal grandfather’s side, Giulia Salzano was the founder of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus located near Naples in Italy.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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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