maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce maturity (audio)
-ˈchər-,
also
-ˈtu̇r- How to pronounce maturity (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite rapid growth, many marketers remain in the early stages of maturity—focused on automating legacy processes and struggling to measure ROI. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 Everyone knows where the story is going, and whatever growth takes place along the way needs to reach the predetermined maturity of what’s already known. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025 After all, there’s a ton of harmful content on these sites, and young people don’t typically have the maturity to figure out what to pay attention to and what to scroll past. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 22 Oct. 2025 The ex-child stars assure us that, with work and support, maturity has replaced precocity. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maturity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maturity was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Maturity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maturity. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

maturity

noun
ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce maturity (audio)
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- How to pronounce maturity (audio)
: termination of the period that a note or other obligation has to run : state or condition of having become due

More from Merriam-Webster on maturity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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