maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌma-chə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the process of becoming mature (see mature entry 1 sense 1)

b

: the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes

c

: the final stages of differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b) of cells, tissues, or organs

2

a

: the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological (see physiological sense 2) and structural changes

b

: spermiogenesis

maturational

ˌma-chə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of maturation

• development
• maturing
• growth
• flowering
• evolution
• ripening

Examples of maturation in a Sentence

the early stages of maturation

the maturation of his skills

Recent Examples on the Web

The Bottled-in-Bond Act requires only four years of maturation. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Old Forester’s 117 Series is a pretty popular collection of whiskeys consisting of limited-edition expressions in small bottles that vary in terms of maturation methods and other factors. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 July 2026

Some regions of the state are further along in fruit maturation than others, particularly the Central Coast, according to the California Association of Winegrape Growers. — Lizzie Kane july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

His maturation to the pro game, and to Memphis, will likely hold a key to where the Grizzlies go as a franchise. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for maturation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the process of becoming mature

2

: the process involving meiosis by which body cells having two sets of chromosomes form gametes with one set of chromosomes

Medical Definition

maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the process of becoming mature

b

: the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes

c

: the final stages of differentiation of cells, tissues, or organs

d

: the achievement of intellectual or emotional maturity

2

a

: the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological and structural changes fitting the gamete for its future role

b

: spermiogenesis sense 2

maturative

mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-iv 

adjective