pa·ter·ni·ty
pə-ˈtər-nə-tē 
1
: the quality or state of being a father
2
: origin or descent from a father
1
: granted to a father
paternity leave
paternity rights
2
: of or relating to the determination of paternity
a paternity suit
Examples of paternity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024
The paternity suit is regarding Annica's second daughter, who was born in 2020 after her divorce from Bowling.
—Karla Renic, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
See all Example Sentences for paternity 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Noun
Echard claimed Owens' paternity lawsuit was filed as a form of harassment and denied paternity.
—Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024
The paternity suit is regarding Annica's second daughter, who was born in 2020 after her divorce from Bowling.
—Karla Renic, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The myth that 10 percent of children the product of 'non-paternity events' is rather persistent.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
See all Example Sentences for paternity
Dictionary Entries Near paternity
Cite this Entry
“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
paternity
noun
pa·ter·ni·ty
pə-ˈtər-nə-tē
1
: the quality or state of being a father
2
: origin or descent from a father
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share