Word Games Pro Dictionary

maternal

adjective

Relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
8
Starts with
M
Ends with
L
Contains
AT
Scrabble score
10
CEFR level
C1

How it sounds

Pronunciation

məˈtɜːnəl

Listen

Audio Pronunciation

Meaning

Definitions

adjective

  1. Relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent

    “Parental guidance”

adjective

  1. Characteristic of a mother

    “{'source': 'Dorothy Sayers', 'text': 'warm maternal affection for her guest'}”

adjective

  1. Related on the mother's side

    “My maternal grandmother”

adjective

  1. Relating to or derived from one's mother

    “Maternal genes”

In context

Example Sentences

Parental guidance
{'source': 'Dorothy Sayers', 'text': 'warm maternal affection for her guest'}
My maternal grandmother
Maternal genes

Similar words

Synonyms

Opposite words

Antonyms

Check yourself

Practise This Word

Three quick questions on this word. Nothing is recorded — practise it as often as you like.

Scroll to Top