1
a
: the process of becoming mature (see mature entry 1 sense 2)
b
: the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes
c
: the final stages of differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b) of cells, tissues, or organs
2
a
: the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological (see physiological sense 2) and structural changes

Examples of maturation in a Sentence

the early stages of maturation the maturation of his skills
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.
Part of that maturation is figuring out how to negotiate the natural ebb and flow of the game. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 That is because late developers catch up and those who stood out for early physical maturation sometimes lack top technical and tactical skills. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 7 June 2025 In turn, Rodriguez is a step or two in experience and in maturation behind Baeza, but closing fast. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 But according to master distiller Conor O’Driscoll, seven years of maturation is dialed in. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for maturation

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maturation was in 1541

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maturation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maturation. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

maturation

noun
1
: the process of becoming mature
2
: the process involving meiosis by which body cells having two sets of chromosomes form gametes with one set of chromosomes

Medical Definition

maturation

noun
1
a
: the process of becoming mature
b
: the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes
c
: the final stages of differentiation of cells, tissues, or organs
d
: the achievement of intellectual or emotional maturity
2
a
: the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological and structural changes fitting the gamete for its future role
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