maternity leave

noun

1. a leave of absence for an expectant or new mother for the birth and care of the baby.

maternity leave

noun

1. a period of paid absence from work, in Britain currently six months, to which a woman is legally entitled during the months immediately before and after childbirth

Word History and Origins

Origin of maternity leave¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Willow, pregnant and officially on maternity leave, hastens to assist him in sifting through suspects.

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This includes checking which benefits you are entitled to and ensuring your employer still contributes to your pension based on your salary as it was before maternity leave.

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And, like many women, there's a fear that maternity leave will damage her career prospects.

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"One day I was in a supportive Army environment, then the next I was on maternity leave and became a civilian."

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The 27-year-old has struggled for consistency and fitness since returning from maternity leave last year, but continued her good form after reaching the final of the Canadian Open earlier this month.

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