paternity

1 of 2

noun

pa·​ter·​ni·​ty pə-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce paternity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being a father
2
: origin or descent from a father

paternity

2 of 2

adjective

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
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
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 Katz helped Rose through two divorces, an uncontested paternity suit filed by a woman claiming to have been his mistress, government liens, tax troubles and his unceasing clamor for reinstatement. Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 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 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paternity was in 1544

Dictionary Entries Near paternity

Cite this Entry

“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

paternity

noun
pa·​ter·​ni·​ty
pə-ˈtər-nət-ē
1
: the state of being a father
2
: origin from a father

Legal Definition

paternity

noun
pa·​ter·​ni·​ty pə-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce paternity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being a father
2
: origin or descent from a father
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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