maternity
Maternity (noun) means the condition or period of being pregnant or being a new mother. Example: “She took a year of maternity leave after her son was born.”
How to use maternity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with being pregnant or having just given birth.
Word forms
maternities plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She took a year of _____ leave after her son was born.
Etymology
From French maternité, from Latin māternitās.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for maternity
See all rhymes for maternity →Frequently asked questions
What does “maternity” mean?
The word “maternity” means the condition or period of being pregnant or being a new mother. In plain terms, to do with being pregnant or having just given birth.
How do you pronounce “maternity”?
“Maternity” is pronounced muh-TUR-nih-tee (/məˈtɜɹnəti/ in IPA).
How do you use “maternity” in a sentence?
Here is “maternity” used in a sentence: “She took a year of maternity leave after her son was born.”
What is the opposite of “maternity”?
The opposite of “maternity” — its antonyms — is paternity.
What part of speech is “maternity”?
“Maternity” is a noun.
Where does the word “maternity” come from?
The word “maternity” comes from Latin. From French maternité, from Latin māternitās.
Is “maternity” a common word?
“Maternity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “maternity” have?
“Maternity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the condition or period of being pregnant or being a new mother.
What is the difference between maternity and paternity?
Maternity refers to the condition or period of being pregnant or being a new mother, while paternity refers to the state of being a father. Both terms are used similarly in contexts like leave from work, but they apply to opposite parents.
What is a maternity ward?
A maternity ward is the section of a hospital where babies are delivered, distinct from maternity in the sense of the condition of pregnancy or new motherhood itself. The ward is a physical location, while the other sense describes a life stage.