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

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

It includes ranking protection during pregnancy, postpartum support with a return to play and paid maternity leave.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Bencic said competing again at the highest level after maternity leave is something she "incredibly proud of".

From BBC • Feb. 2, 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