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
Chris Barilla, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
Later in 2023, paternity lawsuits were filed against Hill by two different women.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024
This absence of visible ovulation cues in humans hints at evolutionary strategies for social structure and reproductive behavior, encouraging paternal investment by obscuring paternity, reducing infanticide risks, and promoting female choice in mating.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024
Another problem: the Thriller album was released in 1982, a full six years before the advent of DNA blood-typing used to prove paternity.
—Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 21 Feb. 2024
Advertisement The bishop, through an intermediary in the states, paid nearly $100,000 to Murphy using diocesan funds as part of the suit, but had not admitted paternity of Peter in the case, according to Conor O’Clery, a reporter for the Irish Times.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024
Wayans also addressed Moreland's child support requests in the paternity suit in conversation with The Shade Room.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024
In 1990, Murphy filed a paternity suit against Casey.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024
Derek’s parents died the year before, and in going through his mother’s things, Derek read her diary, learned of her brief affair with the billionaire, and confirmed his paternity with a DNA test.
—EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
Noun
Conjoined Twin Abby Hensel Got Married in a 2021 Wedding Ceremony
Most recently, Josh has faced a paternity lawsuit from his ex-wife, Annica Bowling, documents obtained by PEOPLE show.
—Chris Barilla, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
Later in 2023, paternity lawsuits were filed against Hill by two different women.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024
This absence of visible ovulation cues in humans hints at evolutionary strategies for social structure and reproductive behavior, encouraging paternal investment by obscuring paternity, reducing infanticide risks, and promoting female choice in mating.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024
Another problem: the Thriller album was released in 1982, a full six years before the advent of DNA blood-typing used to prove paternity.
—Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 21 Feb. 2024
Advertisement The bishop, through an intermediary in the states, paid nearly $100,000 to Murphy using diocesan funds as part of the suit, but had not admitted paternity of Peter in the case, according to Conor O’Clery, a reporter for the Irish Times.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024
Wayans also addressed Moreland's child support requests in the paternity suit in conversation with The Shade Room.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024
In 1990, Murphy filed a paternity suit against Casey.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024
Derek’s parents died the year before, and in going through his mother’s things, Derek read her diary, learned of her brief affair with the billionaire, and confirmed his paternity with a DNA test.
—EW.com, 4 Mar. 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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paternity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near paternity
Cite this Entry
“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 24 Apr. 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
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