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

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

World number nine Bencic became the first mother to win a WTA singles title since May 2023 when she beat Ashlyn Krueger in last year's final just four months after returning from maternity leave.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

They’ll get into inventor Ruth Handler’s so-called “inspiration” by a popular German doll, Mattel’s industry spies and many, many lawsuits, and how Handler single-handedly prevented Nixon-era maternity leave policies.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2026

To really boost births, small companies have to guarantee benefits like marriage and maternity leave first, Du said.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

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

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell