C1adjectiveformalhealthrelationships
US/məˈtɜːr.nəl/
UK/məˈtɜː.nəl/
connected with being a mother or with a mother's feelings; also related through your mother
In context
My maternal grandparents live in a small village near Nam Dinh.
Better healthcare has greatly reduced maternal deaths in rural areas.
She felt a strong maternal instinct to protect the lost child.
Words that go with maternal
adjective + noun
- maternal grandmotherMy maternal grandmother taught me how to cook.
- maternal instinctSome people believe maternal instinct is learned, not natural.
- maternal healthThe charity works to improve maternal health in remote areas.
- maternal mortalityMaternal mortality has fallen sharply over the last thirty years.
- maternal careYoung animals depend on maternal care for many months.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She is on maternal leave.Correct: She is on maternity leave.