Work and business / B1

m-uh-TURN-uh-tee/məˈtɜːnəti/

Maternity is about pregnancy and new mothers: maternity leave; a maternity ward; maternity pay. Paternity leave is for the other parent. Parental leave is wider. A maternity dress is clothing. Do not use maternity for any women’s health issue — it is specifically pregnancy and birth. NHS news: maternity services, maternity scandal.

Meaning

Connected with pregnancy and becoming a mother (maternity leave / ward).

Examples

• “She is on maternity leave until March.”
• “She is on maternity leave until the new year.”
• “The report criticised staffing on the maternity ward.”

Good to know

maternity leave / pay / ward. Other parent: paternity leave. Wider: parental leave. Specifically pregnancy and birth.

Topics

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