maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈchər-

also

-ˈtu̇r- 

-ˈtyu̇r-

1

: the quality or state of being mature

especially : full development

the maturity of grain

maturity of judgment

lacks the wisdom and maturity needed to run the company

2

: termination of the period that an obligation (see obligation sense 2c) has to run

Synonyms of maturity

• adulthood

Examples of maturity in a Sentence

His behavior shows a lack of maturity.

He reached emotional maturity late in his life.

the maturity level of a child

The bond will reach maturity in 10 years.

Maturities on these bonds can be as long as 10 years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Night Light® is a compact variety reaching four to five feet tall and wide at maturity. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Sportsmanship and maturity seem less important than disparaging Canadians. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

In other words, a massive leap forward in maturity from that lovable Italian plumber in overalls. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026

Urban garden Like many urban gardens, this one had a heyday — a period when years of planting and pruning came into full maturity. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for maturity

• impurity
• obscurity
• security
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• purity
• surety

Kids Definition

maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being mature

especially : full development

2

: the date when a note becomes due

Medical Definition

maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty

mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē also -ˈchu̇r-

plural maturities

: the quality or state of being mature

especially : full development

Legal Definition

maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈtu̇r-ə-tē, -ˈchu̇r- 

: termination of the period that a note or other obligation has to run : state or condition of having become due