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
In Afghanistan, where over 23 million people rely on aid, the cuts will end food support for millions, halt care for malnourished children, and disrupt maternal health services.
—
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Helm’s maternal grandfather was drafted by the Eagles.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
One of the most impactful scenes for Davis was when her character recalls saving a child during war—an emotional trigger rooted in maternal instinct and vulnerability.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
Cancer, mental and behavior disorders, and drug or alcohol-induced death were contributing factors to late maternal death.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maternal
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Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Helm’s maternal grandfather was drafted by the Eagles.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
One of the most impactful scenes for Davis was when her character recalls saving a child during war—an emotional trigger rooted in maternal instinct and vulnerability.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
Cancer, mental and behavior disorders, and drug or alcohol-induced death were contributing factors to late maternal death.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maternal
Cite this Entry
“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maternal. Accessed 20 Apr. 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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