# maternal

/məˈtɝnəɫ/ (US) · /mətˈɜːnəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maternal
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. motherly feelings

adjective · CEFR B2

having or showing the kind and protective feelings of a mother.

For teachers: characteristic of or befitting a mother; exhibiting protective or nurturing behavior associated with motherhood.

- She felt a strong maternal instinct to protect the small child.
- Even without biological children of her own, she displayed a deeply maternal attitude toward the younger students in her care.

### 2. mother's side of the family

adjective · CEFR B2

related to you through your mother rather than your father.

For teachers: related through the mother's lineage or side of the family.

- My maternal grandfather was born in a small village in Italy.
- The inheritance dispute was complicated by the fact that the property had been passed down exclusively through the maternal line for three generations.

### 3. medical/biological

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

related to a mother's body during pregnancy or birth.

For teachers: pertaining to the mother as a biological entity, specifically in the context of pregnancy, gestation, or the postpartum period.

- The doctor checked the maternal heart rate during the check-up.
- Maternal health services have seen significant improvements in funding, focusing specifically on reducing complications during the third trimester.

## Examples

- She has a very strong maternal instinct.
- The hospital provides excellent maternal care for women during and after their pregnancy.
- While the study focused on maternal health, it also highlighted how supportive environments can strengthen the bond between a mother and her newborn during the first critical weeks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.