mature

1 of 2

adjective

ma·​ture mə-ˈchu̇r 

-ˈchər,

also

-ˈtu̇r 

-ˈtyu̇r

maturer; maturest

1

a(1)

: having completed natural growth and development : ripe

mature fruit

Look for a tomato that is still completely green but mature.

—Southern Living

Researching the plant's growth habits will allow its mature size to guide you in choosing the right plant …

—Kristin Guy

(2)

: having undergone maturation

The dog will stand three feet tall when mature.

These suggest that the fossil came from a fully mature adult.

—John Timmer

b

: having attained a final or desired state

mature wine

c

: having achieved a low but stable growth rate

mature markets/industries

d

: of, relating to, or being a person past middle age

airline discounts for mature travelers

a moisturizer formulated for mature skin

2

a

: of or relating to a condition of full development

a man of mature years

b

: characteristic of or suitable to a mature individual

a mature outlook

a show with mature content

3

: due for payment

a mature loan/bond/note

4

: based on slow, careful consideration

Second thoughts, one hopes, will produce more mature reflections.

—John Lewis Gaddis

5

: belonging to the middle portion of a cycle of erosion

a mature stream

maturely adverb

mature

2 of 2

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

Adjective

• matured
• ripe

Verb

• grow
• progress

Examples of mature in a Sentence

Adjective

She's very mature for her age.

He has a mature outlook on life.

His parents didn't think he was mature enough to live on his own.

Their bodies were mature, but they still behaved like children.

After mature reflection, he concluded that he had been mistaken.

Verb

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

Adjective

Logging throughout the Southeast took more than mature pines from the landscape. —Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025

This presents an untapped opportunity for African nations to monetize their mature forests and pristine wetlands, which are particularly prized for carbon capture. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Verb

The trees can grow to 30 feet tall and wide, so give them plenty of space to mature. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025

Oban 12 Year Old ‘Heart of the Harbour’ was matured in ex-bourbon barrels, and has just a touch of smoke on the back of the palate that is dominated by citrus and vanilla notes. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Middle English, from Latin maturus ripe; akin to Latin mane in the morning, manus good

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

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