maternity leave

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of maternity leave

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Emslie, 32, was cleared to suit up for Angel City’s game with San Diego on Saturday — the day before Mother’s Day — after missing the past 12 months on maternity leave.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

With press secretary Karoline Leavitt out on maternity leave, the White House is having other top administration officials guest-host press briefings until she returns.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

Combative White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Friday she will be going on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child but did not name a stand-in.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Developed by Celeste Hughey, this version puts Palmer’s Samira, a lawyer on maternity leave, at the center.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

“So what if your maternity leave went on for thirteen years longer than planned?”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell