Maternal

/məˈtɜːrnl/

adjective

Connected to being a mother or to motherhood.

Her strong maternal instincts kicked in when she saw the child in danger.

Definition 1 of 4

Pro Tip 1/2

Refers to feelings and actions expected from a caring mother.

Her maternal response to seeing the injured puppy was to immediately help.

Pro Tip 2/2

Can describe someone who has a motherly role without being an actual mother.

The teacher's maternal guidance helped the shy student open up.

affectionatelovematriarchalmothernurturanceparentprotectivetender

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