noun / adjective
maternity
muh-TUR-nuh-tee/məˈtɜːrnəti/
The condition of bearing and becoming the mother of a child.
The new mother rests with her newborn in a maternity room.
Etymology
The mother-related base becomes a noun naming the condition of motherhood. Its use for pregnancy clothing and leave connects that condition with the practical circumstances surrounding becoming a mother.
In context
maternity leave is shared both parents can take career breaks to look after children
More examples
- Maternity brings both joy and new responsibilities.
- She buys maternity clothes as her belly grows.
- Her maternity leave begins a week before the baby is due.
Forms
maternity
maternal adjective — relating to a mother or motherhood
Similar words
- motherhood
- Focuses on being a mother, including raising a child.
- pregnancy
- Refers specifically to carrying a developing baby before birth.