mature

1 of 2

adjective

ma·​ture mə-ˈchu̇r How to pronounce mature (audio)
-ˈchər,
also
-ˈtu̇r How to pronounce mature (audio)
-ˈtyu̇r
maturer; maturest
1
: based on slow careful consideration
a mature judgment
2
a(1)
: having completed natural growth and development : ripe
mature fruit
(2)
: having undergone maturation
b
: having attained a final or desired state
mature wine
c
: having achieved a low but stable growth rate
paper is a mature industry
d
: of, relating to, or being an older adult : elderly
airline discounts for mature travelers
3
a
: of or relating to a condition of full development
a man of mature years
b
: characteristic of or suitable to a mature individual
mature outlook
a show with mature content
4
: due for payment
a mature loan
5
: belonging to the middle portion of a cycle of erosion
a mature stream
maturely adverb

mature

2 of 2

verb

matured; maturing

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity or completion

intransitive verb

1
: to become fully developed or ripe
2
: to become due

Examples of mature in a Sentence

Adjective 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. Their bodies were mature, but they still behaved like children. After mature reflection, he concluded that he had been mistaken. Verb Girls mature earlier than boys both physically and mentally. Her talent is maturing slowly. Wine and cheese mature with age. The bond matures in 10 years.
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.
Adjective
Some of the more mature advanced nuclear players are racing closer to commercialization, citing timelines as early as 2028. Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 Goldfish had its own buzzy launch this fall but this one was catered to its more mature customers. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
The company is engaged in discussions with lenders to modify and extend maturing debt obligations, with a focus on managing liquidity needs. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 The bottom line: The market for craft beer in Texas is maturing. Megan Stringer, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mature 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Middle English, from Latin maturus ripe; akin to Latin mane in the morning, manus good

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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

Dictionary Entries Near mature

Cite this Entry

“Mature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mature. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mature

1 of 2 adjective
ma·​ture mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r How to pronounce mature (audio)
maturer; maturest
1
: fully thought out
a mature plan
2
a
: fully grown or developed : adult, ripe
mature fruit
b
: having reached a final or desired state
mature wine
3
: of or relating to a condition of full development
a mature outlook
4
: due for payment
the note becomes mature in 90 days
maturely adverb

mature

2 of 2 verb
matured; maturing
1
: to bring to maturity or completion
matured my plans
2
: to become fully developed or ripe

Medical Definition

mature

1 of 2 adjective
ma·​ture
mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r also -ˈchu̇(ə)r
maturer; maturest
1
: having completed natural growth and development
a mature ovary
2
: having undergone maturation
mature germ cells

mature

2 of 2 verb
matured; maturing

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity or completion

intransitive verb

: to become fully developed or ripe
maturer noun

Legal Definition

mature

verb
ma·​ture
mə-ˈtu̇r, -ˈchu̇r
matured; maturing

transitive verb

: to bring to maturity
a policy matured by the death of the insured

intransitive verb

: to become due, payable, or enforceable
specifically : to entitle one to immediate enjoyment of benefits
her pension right matured upon retirement
compare vest
mature adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mature

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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