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
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024
Wayans also addressed Moreland's child support requests in the paternity suit in conversation with The Shade Room.
—Emma Aerin Becker, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
See all Example Sentences for paternity 
Noun
The Mets placed left-hander David Peterson on the paternity list Friday and recalled right-hander Eric Orze.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024
Wayans also addressed Moreland's child support requests in the paternity suit in conversation with The Shade Room.
—Emma Aerin Becker, Peoplemag, 11 July 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
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 26 Jul. 2024.
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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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