natal

adjective

na·​tal ˈnā-tᵊl 

1

: native

2

: of, relating to, or present at birth

especially : associated with one's birth

a natal star

Examples of natal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From weaning to leaving the natal den, maternal raccoon take their family through something like homeschooling. — Kelly Lambert, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Both of the youngsters fledged, or took their first flight from the nest, but are still hanging around their natal digs, enjoying parental food deliveries and protection from intruders. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Like most elephant seals, Neil exhibits natal philopatry, returning to his unusual birthplace for molting and social development. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

In reality, a steelhead is just a rainbow trout that decides to go to the ocean, and then returns to its natal river to spawn. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin natalis, from natus, past participle of nasci to be born — more at nation

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing natal

• natal chart

Rhymes for natal

• datal
• fatal
• antenatal
• hiatal
• neonatal
• perinatal
• nonfatal
• postnatal
• prenatal

Kids Definition

natal

adjective

na·​tal ˈnāt-ᵊl 

: of or relating to birth

Medical Definition

natal

adjective

na·​tal ˈnāt-ᵊl 

: of or relating to birth

lowering the natal death rate

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Geographical Definition

Natal

geographical name

Na·​tal nə-ˈtal 

-ˈtäl

1

city and port on the Atlantic in northeastern Brazil population 803,739

Note: Natal serves as capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

2

former province of the eastern part of the Republic of South Africa between the Drakensberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean

Note: Natal is now part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal.