maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce maturity (audio)
-ˈchər-,
also
-ˈtu̇r- How to pronounce maturity (audio)
-ˈtyu̇r-
1
: the quality or state of being mature
especially : full development
the maturity of grain
maturity of judgment
lacks the wisdom and maturity needed to run the company
2
: termination of the period that an obligation (see obligation sense 2c) has to run

Examples of maturity in a Sentence

His behavior shows a lack of maturity. He reached emotional maturity late in his life. the maturity level of a child The bond will reach maturity in 10 years. Maturities on these bonds can be as long as 10 years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rather than signaling academic stamina alone, these meaningful experiences illustrate maturity, purpose, and a student’s potential for significant contributions to college communities. Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 The minute the show ends, gossip starts about a rare new sensibility, someone with incredible maturity. Sarah Mower, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025 Sometimes with maturity, there can be a cynicism, or a disdain, or the subtle moroseness that sometimes comes with age. Katie Bain, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025 Zoom out: TikTok has been leaning further into commerce as its business reaches maturity in the U.S. and globally, TikTok officially launched TikTok Shop in the U.S. in September 2023. Sara Fischer, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maturity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maturity was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Maturity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maturity. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

maturity

noun
ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce maturity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being mature
especially : full development
2
: the date when a note becomes due

Medical Definition

maturity

noun
ma·​tu·​ri·​ty
mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē also -ˈchu̇r-
plural maturities
: the quality or state of being mature
especially : full development

Legal Definition

maturity

noun
ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈtu̇r-ə-tē, -ˈchu̇r- How to pronounce maturity (audio)
: termination of the period that a note or other obligation has to run : state or condition of having become due

More from Merriam-Webster on maturity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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