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
Ganesh Rao,chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
Dave Grohl and his wife Jordyn Blum were spotted together for the first time since his paternity scandal rocked the world five months ago.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
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Noun
At least 30% of managers polled reported that their organization already offers enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
—Ganesh Rao,chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
Dave Grohl and his wife Jordyn Blum were spotted together for the first time since his paternity scandal rocked the world five months ago.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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
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