maternity leave

noun

1. a leave of absence for an expectant or new mother for the birth and care of the baby.

maternity leave

noun

1. a period of paid absence from work, in Britain currently six months, to which a woman is legally entitled during the months immediately before and after childbirth

Word History and Origins

Origin of maternity leave¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Robyn is currently on maternity leave from her job as a programme manager for Public Health Scotland.

From BBC

According to Lord Michael Ashcroft's biography of Badenoch, she resigned instead of taking maternity leave as head of digital operations at the Spectator.

From BBC

Osaka, who also won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, spoke before the US Open about not feeling "like I'm in my body" since her return from maternity leave.

From BBC

Last August, she had just returned from maternity leave when the fire broke out.

From Los Angeles Times

The Liberal Democrats' main policy announcement for Friday is a promise to increase statutory maternity leave, if they win the election.

From BBC