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
Harris' maternal grandfather was born there more than a century ago.
—
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
His biological parents were not allowed to marry due to his maternal grandfather's disapproval of his father, who is Syrian.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 4 Nov. 2024
The maternal aunt of a 4-year-old boy who prosecutors say was starved to death by his parents in their New York City apartment has filed a $40 million notice of claim alleging the city’s child welfare agency failed to protect his well-being and safety.
—Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024
If anyone still thinks this is all about protecting the lives of mothers and babies, consider the broader landscape of maternal and infant medical care in these three states.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for maternal 
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Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
His biological parents were not allowed to marry due to his maternal grandfather's disapproval of his father, who is Syrian.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 4 Nov. 2024
The maternal aunt of a 4-year-old boy who prosecutors say was starved to death by his parents in their New York City apartment has filed a $40 million notice of claim alleging the city’s child welfare agency failed to protect his well-being and safety.
—Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024
If anyone still thinks this is all about protecting the lives of mothers and babies, consider the broader landscape of maternal and infant medical care in these three states.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
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 1 Dec. 2024.
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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