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
Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
In other roster moves, the Giants reinstated Mike Yastrzemski from the paternity list following the birth Friday of his second child and first son with his wife, Paige.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paternity 
Noun
Abby Hensel’s husband Josh Bowling is facing a paternity suit.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
In other roster moves, the Giants reinstated Mike Yastrzemski from the paternity list following the birth Friday of his second child and first son with his wife, Paige.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paternity
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 4 May. 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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