mature

USmuh-CHUUR/məˈt͡ʃʊ(ə)ɹ/UKmuh-CHAW/məˈt͡ʃɔː(ɹ)/

12 meanings of mature

1
adjective
Fully grown and developed in body, behavior, or thinking.
Like a plant that has grown all the way up and is fully ready.
He's mature for his age and handles problems calmly.
The trees in this forest are old and mature.
Similaradult, grown-up, full-grown, developed, ripe
Oppositeimmature, juvenile, young, childish
Note
2
verbintransitive
To grow up and become more developed or wise over time.
Like a young tree slowly growing tall and strong.
Children mature at different rates.
He matured a lot after starting his first job.
Similardevelop, age
3
verbintransitive
To become fully grown or ripe, like fruit on a tree.
Like a green apple slowly turning red and sweet.
Tomatoes mature faster in warm weather.
The grapes matured on the vine through late summer.
Similarripen
Note
4
verbintransitive
To slowly develop and become complete, like a plan or idea.
Like a small seed of an idea growing into a full plan.
Their travel plans matured over many weeks.
Good ideas often mature slowly before they work.
Similardevelop, grow, progress, ripen
Note
5
adjective
Meant for adults only, because of sex, violence, or strong language.
Like a sign on a door that says "adults only."
This show has mature content and isn't for children.
Parents should know the film deals with mature themes.
Similaradult, explicit
Note
6
verbtransitive
To bring something to full development or completion.
Like slowly cooking a meal until it is fully ready.
Time and care can mature any project.
The brewery matured the ale in oak barrels.
Similardevelop, refine, perfect, ripen
Note
7
adjective
Made completely ready and finished.
Like a cake that has finished baking and is ready to eat.
After months of work, the plan was finally mature.
The technology is now mature and ready to use.
Similardeveloped, established, refined, complete, finished
Oppositeimmature, undeveloped, nascent
8
verbtransitive
To make something, such as fruit, become ripe.
Like the sun warming a tomato until it turns red.
Warm sunlight matures the grapes quickly.
Farmers mature their cheese in cool cellars.
Similarripen
9
verbintransitive
To reach the date when a loan or bond must be paid.
Like a library book reaching the day it is due back.
The bond matures next year.
My savings certificate will mature in March.
Note
10
verbtransitive
To help someone grow up and become wiser.
Like challenges turning a shy kid into a confident adult.
Hard times matured him quickly.
Travel can mature young people in surprising ways.
Similarage
Note
11
adjective
Based on careful, deep thinking.
Like thinking hard about something before you decide.
After mature reflection, she accepted the offer.
The plan deserves mature consideration before approval.
Similarcareful, considered, thoughtful, sound, sober
Oppositehasty, rash, impulsive
Note

Less common meaning

12
adjectiveobsolete
Fully filled with pus and ready to burst, like a boil.
Like a balloon filled so full it is about to pop.
The surgeon waited until the swelling was mature before opening it.
A mature abscess will release its matter once it is lanced.
Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1, 5, 7, 11–12

It came through late Middle English and French from the Latin word mātūrus.

Meanings 2–4, 6, 8–10

This verb came through Middle English and French from the Latin word mātūrō.