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 Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers meet nearby, creating the ideal damp climate for whisky maturation. —Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2025

The distillery just announced the launch of a new lineup that leans even further into the world of sherry cask maturation, so this is a great new series of whiskies that fans of distilleries like the Macallan, Highland Park, and Ardbeg should try. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025

What does your appointment signal about the growth, maturation, and political legitimacy of Hip-hop culture in 2025? —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Depending on the spirit, the agave plant’s maturation ranges from five to eight years. —Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025

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