maturer; maturest
1
: having or showing the mental and emotional qualities of an adult
We were surprised by how mature [=adult] she had become.
She's very mature for her age.
He has a mature outlook on life.
His parents didn't think he was mature enough to live on his own.
2
a
: having a fully grown or developed body : grown to full size
The dog will stand three feet tall when (it has become) mature. [=when it has matured]
Their bodies were mature, but they still behaved like children.
mature [=adult] animals
mature trees/leaves
the dog's mature size [=the dog's size when it is fully grown]
sexually mature [=old enough or developed enough to produce a baby]
b
: having reached a final or desired state
a mature wine/cheese
c
: not young : middle-aged or older
airline discounts for mature travelers [=for senior citizens who travel; for old people who travel]
a man of mature years [=an older man]
3
a
: based on careful thought
a mature plan
After/On mature reflection, he concluded that he had been mistaken.
b
: showing the highest level of skill that a person develops
an artist's mature work/style
4
finance
: having reached the time when an amount of money (such as money for a government bond or an insurance policy) must be paid : due for payment
The bond becomes mature in 10 years.
matures; matured; maturing
: to become mature: such as
a
: to become fully developed in the body and mind
Girls mature earlier than boys both physically and mentally.
—often + intoHe matured into a kind and intelligent young man.
b
: to continue developing to a desired level
Her talent is maturing slowly.
Wine and cheese mature with age.
c
finance
: to become due for payment
The bond matures in 10 years.
Cite this Entry
“Mature.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mature. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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