Maternal Definition & Meaning

maternal
adjective
  1. characteristic of a mother; "warm maternal affection for her guest"- Dorothy Sayers
  2. relating to or derived from one's mother; "maternal genes"
  3. relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent; "parental guidance"
  4. related on the mother's side; "my maternal grandmother"

"Maternal" in song lyrics

See how maternal is used in real songs:

  • "destroyed denim jeans maternal"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "maternal"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "maternal" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for maternal to find words that pair well.

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