mature

adjective

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ma·ture | \ mə-ˈchu̇r

, -ˈchər also -ˈtu̇r

, -ˈtyu̇r\

maturer; maturest

Definition of mature

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : based on slow careful consideration a mature judgment

2a(1) : having completed natural growth and development : ripe mature fruit

(2) : having undergone maturation

b : having attained a final or desired state mature wine

c : having achieved a low but stable growth rate paper is a mature industry

d : of, relating to, or being an older adult : elderly airline discounts for mature travelers

3a : of or relating to a condition of full development a man of mature years

b : characteristic of or suitable to a mature individual mature outlook a show with mature content

4 : due for payment a mature loan

5 : belonging to the middle portion of a cycle of erosion a mature stream

mature

verb

matured; maturing

Definition of mature (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity or completion

intransitive verb

1 : to become fully developed or ripe

2 : to become due

Other Words from mature Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about mature

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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 Meanwhile, Harry's over here looking mature as ever with a need to slightly touch Meghan with his elbow, despite carrying their baby in his arms. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "A Body Language Expert Analyzes Meghan and Harry's Royal Baby Photo-Call," 8 May 2019 Trees also take a really long time to grow, and mature forests absorb far more carbon than young ones. — Emily Atkin, The New Republic, "It’s Not Enough to Stop Amazon Deforestation," 29 Aug. 2019 In 2002, a study led by lion expert Craig Packer revealed that males with longer, darker manes had higher testosterone, fewer injuries and were more mature. — Emily Toomey, Smithsonian, "Ten Things We’ve Learned About Lions Since Disney’s Original ‘The Lion King’," 19 July 2019 The difference, on the one hand, is that most of these biological systems are now much more mature. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, "How the Stress of Separation and Detention Changes the Lives of Children," 13 July 2019 The home sits on about two-thirds of an acre with mature trees, lawn, a fire pit and a swimming pool with a spa. — La Cañada Valley Sun, "Actors Topher and Ashley Grace buy in La Cañada Flintridge," 13 Sep. 2019 The large entertainer’s yard has mature citrus trees, seasonal grapevines and a large deck. — Daily Pilot, "Political Landscape: Ex-Rep. Dana Rohrabacher sells Costa Mesa home," 12 Sep. 2019 This permanent park setting with sprawling lawns and mature trees is just off Mission Boulevard and near Mission San Jose. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Historic Fremont estate at The Gardens of Palmdale," 3 Sep. 2019 Wright Plus 2018 features examples of Wright’s early experimental years to his mature Prairie-style, as well as residences by his fellow architects. — Felicia Dechter, chicagotribune.com, "Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk features familiar favorites, as well as private homes," 15 May 2018 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb From a cocoon that seemed to be spun out of perfume and after-hours smoke, Bryan Ferry emerged as the kind of rock-god role model that maturing audiences don’t get to see enough of these days. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Bryan Ferry is an ageless wonder at Copley Symphony Hall concert," 28 Aug. 2019 Even the fast-maturing chicken is subject to these relentless cycles. — Liz Specht, WIRED, "Alt-Meat Trounces Animal Meat's Massive Inefficiencies," 19 Aug. 2019 The disclosures paint a picture of a firm in transition from overhyped property startup to a maturing corporation with diverse clients. — The Economist, "WeWork unveils its IPO prospectus," 15 Aug. 2019 During normal times, longer maturing bonds pay out higher yields than their shorter duration peers. — Matt Egan, CNN, "Gold climbs to six-year high and bond yields collapse as fears of a global slowdown mount," 7 Aug. 2019 McLaughlin also feels a maturing offensive line with a couple transfers will also be getting looks. — Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio State, Northwestern, UC, UK, Iowa State, others recruiting La Salle's football talent," 16 July 2019 The reasons include the realities of a maturing market, a pained global economy, and the impact of the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. — NBC News, "Smartphone sales were already in decline — then came the trade war with China," 27 June 2019 Also, $41 billion in five-year notes, dated July 1, 2019, maturing June 30, 2024. — WSJ, "Treasury to Sell $203 Billion in Debt," 20 June 2019 Carrie Kelly, who first became Robin back in The Dark Knight Returns, had adopted the guise of Batwoman after maturing into a full-on superhero in her own right. — Christian Holub, EW.com, "Frank Miller previews his next epic Batman comic, The Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child," 13 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mature.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for mature

Last Updated

25 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for mature

The first known use of mature was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for mature

mature

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of mature

(Entry 1 of 2)

: having or showing the mental and emotional qualities of an adult

: having a fully grown or developed body : grown to full size

: having reached a final or desired state

mature

verb

English Language Learners Definition of mature (Entry 2 of 2)

: to become fully developed in the body and mind

: to continue developing to a desired level

finance : to become due for payment

See the full definition for mature in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mature

adjective

ma·ture | \ mə-ˈtu̇r

, -ˈtyu̇r, -ˈchu̇r\

maturer; maturest

Kids Definition of mature

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : fully grown or developed : adult, ripe mature fruit mature fish

2 : having or showing the qualities of an adult person a mature outlook

3 : due for payment a mature loan

mature

verb

matured; maturing

Kids Definition of mature (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to reach full development

2 : to become due for payment The bond matures in ten years.

mature

adjective

ma·ture | \ mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r also -ˈchu̇(ə)r\

maturer; maturest

Medical Definition of mature

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : having completed natural growth and development a mature ovary

2 : having undergone maturation mature germ cells

mature

verb

matured; maturing

Medical Definition of mature (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity or completion

intransitive verb

: to become fully developed or ripe

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mature

verb

ma·ture | \ mə-ˈtu̇r, -ˈchu̇r\

matured; maturing

Legal Definition of mature

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

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