The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ADULTHOOD
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
D
U
L
T
H
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O
D
More clues leading to the result ADULTHOOD
- Maturity teachers originally found in a mostly dreary poet
- Majority status
- Blue bonnet for US baby has not got there yet
- Maturity shown by a deckhand originally guarding hold out at sea
- Maturity shown by leader leaving religious group over headwear following publicity
- Notice criminal hold out for majority
- Mutton dressed as lamb might appear in this majority
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Maturity" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case maturity = adulthood.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ADULTHOOD mean?
ADULTHOOD noun- The state or condition of a human being once it has reached physical maturity, and is presumed to have reached a state of psychological maturity, to wit: once it has become an adult.
- The time period of a human being's majority; the time during which a human being has reached physical maturity, and ending with its death.