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.
As for bonds, Bilkie said, investors may want to keep a mix of maturities, essentially having an equal portion in short term, intermediate term, and long-term bond funds. Susan Tompor, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 There’s a clear maturity model. Andrew Siemer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Scourton’s patience shows a maturity beyond his years. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025 Yields on 30-year US Treasurys neared 5%, Japan saw 20-year and 30-year yields jump, and long-maturity British, French, and German bonds all slumped. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maturity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maturity. Accessed 13 Sep. 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

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