maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌma-chə-ˈrā-shən 

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

b

: spermiogenesis

maturational

ˌma-chə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• development
• growth
• maturing
• ripening

Examples of maturation in a Sentence

the early stages of maturation

the maturation of his skills

Recent Examples on the Web

There are 30% whole bunches; maturation for four months in large oak barrels. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The Balvenie was one of the first to use this type of maturation as a secondary finish, and distilleries like the Macallan and the GlenDronach age virtually all of their whisky in sherry butts. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2025

Researchers found that in utero exposure to phthalates is linked with altered metabolism of neurotransmitters and amino acids involved in brain maturation, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

But with the influx and maturation of some bigger, younger players, the addition of a few veterans, and a tighter defense overall, the Ducks, after Tuesday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Sharks at Honda Center, have a 33-33-8 record and are on pace to finish with just over 80 points. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for maturation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən 

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

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən 

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

b

: spermiogenesis sense 2

maturative

mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-iv 

adjective