Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun maternity

3 senses of maternity

Sense 1
pregnancy, gestation, maternity -- (the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus)
       => physical condition, physiological state, physiological condition -- (the condition or state of the body or bodily functions)

Sense 2
motherhood, maternity -- (the kinship relation between an offspring and the mother)
       => kinship, family relationship, relationship -- ((anthropology) relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption)

Sense 3
motherliness, maternalism, maternal quality, maternity -- (the quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth and affection of or befitting a mother; "the girl's motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the children")
       => parental quality -- (a quality appropriate to a parent)