How to Pronounce Maternal

To pronounce "maternal", say MAT-ern-al — 3 syllables, IPA /məˈtɜːnəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

maternal

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/məˈtɜːnəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “maternal”

"maternal" has 3 syllables: mat-ern-al. It rhymes with infernal and diurnal, if that helps it stick.

What does maternal mean?

noun

  1. A mother.
  2. A person related through the mother, or her side of the family; a maternal relative.

adjective

  1. Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly.

    “His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.”

  2. Related through the mother, or her side of the family.

    “Toby is my maternal uncle.”

Antonyms

fatherlypaternalfetalfoetal

Hear “maternal” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with maternal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

infernaldiurnaleternalkernelnocturnalinternalpaternalexternalfraternalsternaljournalurnal

Related words

motherlikematernalisticmotherlyparentalenateenaticpaternalrelated

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "maternal"?▾

"Maternal" has 3 syllables: mat · ern · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "maternal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "maternal" is /məˈtɜːnəl/.

What does "maternal" mean?▾

Maternal: A mother.

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