maternal

adjective

ma·​ter·​nal mə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce maternal (audio)
Synonyms of maternal
1
: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : motherly
maternal love
maternal instincts
2
a
: related through a mother
his maternal aunt
b
: inherited or derived from the female parent
maternal genes
maternally
mə-ˈtər-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce maternal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of maternal

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Examples of maternal in a Sentence

Doctors are concerned about the effects of the drug on maternal health. her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong
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.
The plan targets maternal and mental health, endometriosis and other conditions, but sets no specific funding goals as the administration faces declining support among women voters. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 According to the White House, the order calls for targeting maternal health, mental health and endometriosis. — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 They are usually still protected by maternal antibodies, experts say. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 With nowhere to put her maternal love after the loss of her son Jason, Pam Voorhees (Linda Cardellini) soon takes an interest in Grace, whose own mom appears to be abusive and neglectful. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French maternel, from Medieval Latin maternalis, from Latin maternus, from mater mother — more at mother

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for maternal

See All Rhymes for maternal

Browse Nearby Words

mater lectionis
maternal
maternalism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maternal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

maternal

adjective
ma·​ter·​nal mə-ˈtərn-ᵊl How to pronounce maternal (audio)
1
: of or relating to a mother : motherly
2
a
: related through a mother
maternal grandparents
b
: obtained or received from a female parent
maternal chromosomes
maternally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce maternal (audio)
adverb
Etymology

Middle English maternal "maternal, of or like a mother," from early French maternel (same meaning), from Latin maternus "maternal," from mater "mother" — related to alma mater

Medical Definition

maternal

adjective
ma·​ter·​nal mə-ˈtərn-ᵊl How to pronounce maternal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother
maternal instinct
2
a
: related through a mother
his maternal aunt
b
: inherited or derived from the female parent
maternal genes
maternally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce maternal (audio)
adverb
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