The meaning of MATERNAL is of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of a mother : motherly. How to use maternal in a sentence.

MATERNAL meaning: 1. behaving or feeling in the way that a mother does towards her child, especially in a kind…. Learn more.

maternal meaning, definition, what is maternal: typical of the way a good mother behaves...: Learn more.

1. Relating to or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly: maternal instinct. 2. Inherited from one's mother: a maternal trait. 3. Related through one's mother: my maternal uncle.

MATERNAL definition: of, pertaining to, having the qualities of, or befitting a mother. See examples of maternal used in a sentence.

Definition of maternal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Relating to motherhood and the role of a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective maternal.

Dec 24, 2025 · maternal (comparative more maternal, superlative most maternal) Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly. Antonyms: fatherly, paternal His …

Maternal is used to describe feelings or actions which are typical of those of a kind mother toward her child. She had little maternal instinct.

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word maternal, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.