ma·ter·ni·ty
mə-ˈtər-nə-tē
plural maternities
1
a
: the quality or state of being a mother : motherhood
b
: the qualities of a mother : motherliness
2
: a hospital facility designed for the care of women before and during childbirth and for the care of newborn babies
1
: being or providing care during and immediately before and after childbirth
maternity care
a maternity unit
2
: designed for wear during pregnancy
a maternity dress
3
: effective for the period close to and including childbirth
maternity leave
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Maternity and Parts of Speech
Maternity is used as both a noun and an adjective. Maternity benefits are benefits specially provided by employers for women having babies, and usually include maternity leave, time off work. With maternity come maternal feelings, which are shown by all species of warm-blooded animals as well as a few reptiles such as crocodiles and alligators.
Cite this Entry
“Maternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maternity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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