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

There would be no maternity leave from the business she runs alone, and no second income.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Experienced opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge is available for the next T20 at Bristol on Saturday, having been on maternity leave, and she will likely replace Capsey at the top of the order.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

And on Tuesday all eyes were certainly on whether Vance could repeat Rubio's relaxed performance as a stand-in for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

On moms.gov, there is no mention of paid maternity leave — or programs like Family and Medical Leave Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, or the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

From Salon • May 17, 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