maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce maturity (audio)
-ˈchər-
also
-ˈtu̇r- How to pronounce maturity (audio)
-ˈtyu̇r-
Synonyms of maturity
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.
Gukesh has a maturity that seems connected to his openness to instinctual play, and to his awareness of the depth and power of human feeling. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026 Beck’s decision-making showed more maturity in his final college season, but pressure can pull him back into old habits. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 This outlook is based on themes from Bill Jones' Big Green NFL Draft Scouting Notebook, which highlights the Cowboys' emphasis on intelligence, versatility, and maturity on defense, as well as their need to add more top‑100 picks to address multiple roster holes. Bill Jones, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 One of the fastest-growing shade providers is the mulberry tree (Morus), which can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet at maturity. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maturity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maturity. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster