I. mə-ˈtər-nə-tē noun
( plural -ties )
Date: 1611
1.
a. : the quality or state of being a mother : motherhood
b. : the qualities of a mother : motherliness
2. : a hospital facility designed for the care of women before and during childbirth and for the care of newborn babies
II. adjective
Date: 1893
1. : designed for wear during pregnancy
a maternity dress
2. : effective for the period close to and including childbirth
maternity leave