paternity

1 of 2

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

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

Noun

Madison’s branch, however, retained its African American identity and passed down the story of Jefferson’s paternity. — Andrew Lawler, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026

There was a great deal of speculation about the paternity of Dannielynn after Smith’s death. — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The myth that 10 percent of children the product of 'non-paternity events' is rather persistent. — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing paternity

• paternity leave
• paternity test

Rhymes for paternity

• eternity
• fraternity
• maternity
• modernity
• confraternity
• taciturnity

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 

1

: the quality or state of being a father

2

: origin or descent from a father