maternity leave

American  

noun

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

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maternity leave British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of maternity leave

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"Coming back to the WTA Top 10 one year after returning to competition after maternity leave is something I am incredibly proud of," said Bencic, ranked nine.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Injury kept Macario off the team that struck gold in the Paris Olympics, Hayes’ first tournament as coach, while forwards Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson have been on maternity leave since the Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

The registered nurse, who is on maternity leave after having her son Albie, was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm - a swollen blood vessel - after suffering extreme headaches.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

"Without the co-CEO structure, the trade off would have either been too great for the business, or too great for the way that we wanted to have our children and have maternity leave," she reflects.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

It was a good workplace, allowing her to take six weeks of maternity leave after Lexie’s birth, then Trip’s, then Moody’s.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng