paternity

1 of 2

noun

pa·ter·ni·ty pə-ˈtər-nə-tē

Synonyms of paternity next

: the quality or state of being a father

: origin or descent from a father

paternity

2 of 2

adjective

: granted to a father

paternity leave

paternity rights

: of or relating to the determination of paternity

a paternity suit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In another setback for the couple, a judge wouldn't approve Jordan's motion for paternity. —

Rachel Burchfield, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2023 There have not, for example, been major overhauls of child-care and paternity-leave policies to make additional children more feasible. —

Rick Noack, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2023 Darnes’ paternity will probably remain an open question. —

Cynthia Greenlee, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023 Roberts’ and Hunter Biden’s daughter was born on Aug. 28, 2018, according to the judge’s order establishing the child’s paternity. —

Julia Marnin Mcclatchy Washington Bureau (tns), al, 6 Jan. 2023 Upon investigation, the police found there was no gender listed on the transgender student's birth certificate, but a paternity affidavit listed the student as male. —

Kristine Parks, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2022 In addition to its ecological message, The Way of Water foregrounds the themes of paternity and parental concern that run through Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and even Cameron’s problematic but entertaining 1994 action-comedy True Lies. —

Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2022 The show takes mess to another level; paternity secrets, embezzlement, closeted rendezvous, and revenge are everyday occurrences in the soap opera that is the Richards’ life. —

Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 11 Dec. 2022 Season 1 of the Amazon Prime Video series closes with two paternity bombshells that shake up the warring sides of the family. —

Breanna Bell, Variety, 9 Dec. 2022

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 More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paternity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.