maternal
Americanadjective
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of, pertaining to, having the qualities of, or befitting a mother.
maternal instincts.
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related through a mother.
his maternal aunt.
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derived from a mother.
maternal genes.
adjective
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of, relating to, derived from, or characteristic of a mother
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related through the mother's side of the family
his maternal uncle
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of maternal
1475–85; < Medieval Latin māternālis, equivalent to Latin mātern ( us ) ( māter mother 1 + -nus adj. suffix) + -ālis -al 1
Compare meaning
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Explanation
If you are maternal, you are like a mother. How you define what it is to be “like a mother” is up to you, but most people think of nurturing things like chicken soup and kisses on the forehead. The adjective maternal comes from the Latin maternus, which means “of a mother.” Many traits are labeled as maternal, including physical traits that are genetically passed on from the mother — like being color blind. A woman’s desire to have a child is called her “maternal instinct,” and if you care for other people in a nurturing way you are being maternal, even if you are not a mother. Your mother’s mother is your “maternal grandmother.”
Vocabulary lists containing maternal
It's All in the Family
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May Vocabulary Words
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Early brings an unmistakable maternal warmth to Vicky, who, as Southern as she is, is also an outspoken progressive.
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026
Ms. Saxbe uncovers clues about how maternal and paternal brains are restructured by childbirth, correlated to a “stronger attunement” with infants.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026
Their maternal grandfather was a race-car driver and mechanic, and their father was a photographer for Street Chopper Magazine.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Following our investigation, the BBC spoke to dozens more parents, who say the government's commitment to increased regulation is "absolutely essential" for the safety of babies and maternal mental health.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
Frances and her husband took him in for a while, until his maternal grandfather died and bequeathed Charles enough money to pay for college.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
