maternal
adjective
ma·ter·nal
mə-ˈtər-nᵊl 
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
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
Their maternal grandmother worked as a seamstress in Dominica, outfitting customers for Carnival; their mother designed and custom- made their clothes in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood.
—
Nia Shumake, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
The gallery was named for the brothers’ maternal grandmother and was located in a Leimert Park storefront, an area in the city that was regarded as a cultural center for African Americans.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Jan. 2025
While their parents, several relatives on their mother’s side, and even their maternal grandmother were physicians, they were never expected to be doctors ― let alone orthopedic surgeons just like their father.
—Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 30 Jan. 2025
The Diaper Bank makes other arguments: A reliable supply of clean diapers helps to eliminate $4.3 million in medical costs; The lack thereof can lead to maternal depression and potentially child abuse as constant crying wears on caretakers.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025
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Nia Shumake, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
The gallery was named for the brothers’ maternal grandmother and was located in a Leimert Park storefront, an area in the city that was regarded as a cultural center for African Americans.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Jan. 2025
While their parents, several relatives on their mother’s side, and even their maternal grandmother were physicians, they were never expected to be doctors ― let alone orthopedic surgeons just like their father.
—Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 30 Jan. 2025
The Diaper Bank makes other arguments: A reliable supply of clean diapers helps to eliminate $4.3 million in medical costs; The lack thereof can lead to maternal depression and potentially child abuse as constant crying wears on caretakers.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for maternal
Dictionary Entries Near maternal
Cite this Entry
“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maternal. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maternal
adjective
ma·ter·nal
mə-ˈtərn-ᵊl
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
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
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
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