mature

verb

matured; maturing

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity or completion

… an oak container made from layers of American and European oak, the same types that were used to mature the whisky.

—Jonah Flicker

intransitive verb

1

: to become fully developed or ripe

He has matured into a fine player …

—Graeme McGarry

Wine and cheese both mature with age.

2

: to become due

holding a bond until it matures

Synonyms of mature

• grow
• progress

Examples of mature in a Sentence

Girls mature earlier than boys both physically and mentally.

Her talent is maturing slowly.

Wine and cheese mature with age.

The bond matures in 10 years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding that the account will mature before next summer, savers can still pivot relatively quickly. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Walkers move through rocky shores, remote peninsulas, white sandy beaches and mature beech forests. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

These notes tend to mature in five years, and the issuer can call them after a year if the index is at or above its initial level. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 4 June 2026

In essence, the medium is maturing to offer a business model in its own right. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing mature

• mature student
• of mature years

Rhymes for mature

• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure
• brochure
• cocksure
• coiffure
• contour
• couture
• demure
• detour
• endure

Kids Definition

mature

1 of 2 adjective

ma·​ture mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r 

maturer; maturest

1

: fully thought out

a mature plan

2

a

: fully grown or developed : adult, ripe

mature fruit

b

: having reached a final or desired state

mature wine

3

: of or relating to a condition of full development

a mature outlook

4

: due for payment

the note becomes mature in 90 days

maturely adverb

mature

2 of 2 verb

matured; maturing

1

: to bring to maturity or completion

matured my plans

2

: to become fully developed or ripe

Medical Definition

mature

1 of 2 adjective

ma·​ture

mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r also -ˈchu̇(ə)r

maturer; maturest

1

: having completed natural growth and development

a mature ovary

2

: having undergone maturation

mature germ cells

mature

2 of 2 verb

matured; maturing

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity or completion

intransitive verb

: to become fully developed or ripe

maturer noun

Legal Definition

mature

verb

ma·​ture

mə-ˈtu̇r, -ˈchu̇r

matured; maturing

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity

a policy matured by the death of the insured

intransitive verb

: to become due, payable, or enforceable

specifically : to entitle one to immediate enjoyment of benefits

her pension right matured upon retirement

compare vest

mature adjective