maternity

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noun ma·ter·ni·ty \mə-ˈtər-nə-tē\

Definition of maternity

plural

maternities

1a : the quality or state of being a mother : motherhoodb : the qualities of a mother : motherliness
2 : a hospital facility designed for the care of women before and during childbirth and for the care of newborn babies

See maternity defined for English-language learners

See maternity defined for kids

Examples of maternity in a Sentence

she had such maternity at such a young age that all her classmates went to her for comfort

Did You Know?

Maternity is used as both a noun and an adjective. Maternity benefits are benefits specially provided by employers for women having babies, and usually include maternity leave, time off work. With maternity come maternal feelings, which are shown by all species of warm-blooded animals as well as a few reptiles such as crocodiles and alligators.

1611

First Known Use of maternity

1611

maternity

adjective ma·ter·ni·ty

Definition of maternity

1 : being or providing care during and immediately before and after childbirth maternity care a maternity unit
2 : designed for wear during pregnancy a maternity dress
3 : effective for the period close to and including childbirth maternity leave

See maternity defined for English-language learners

1852

First Known Use of maternity

1852

MATERNITY Defined for English Language Learners

maternity

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noun

Definition of maternity for English Language Learners

: the state of being a mother

maternity

adjective

Definition of maternity for English Language Learners

: designed to be worn by a woman who is pregnant
: relating to the time when a woman gives birth to a baby
—used to refer to an area in a hospital where women who are giving birth to babies are cared for

MATERNITY Defined for Kids

maternity

play

noun ma·ter·ni·ty \mə-ˈtər-nə-tē\

Definition of maternity for Students

: the state of being a mother

Word Root of maternity

The Latin word mater, meaning “mother,” gives us the root mater or matr. Anyone or anything maternal, such as a grandparent, is related through the mother's side of the family. Maternity is the state of being a mother. A matriarch is a woman who is the mother and head of a family. A matron is a married woman who may be a mother.

Medical Dictionary

maternity

play

noun ma·ter·ni·ty \mə-ˈtər-nət-ē\

Medical Definition of maternity

plural

maternities

: a hospital facility designed for the care of women before and during childbirth and for the care of newborn babies

maternity

adjective ma·ter·ni·ty

Medical Definition of maternity

1: being or providing care during and immediately before and after childbirth maternity care a maternity unit
2: designed for wear during pregnancy maternity clothes
3: effective for the period close to and including childbirth maternity leave