paternity

1 of 2

noun

pa·​ter·​ni·​ty pə-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce paternity (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Giants are also without backup catcher Curt Casali, who went on the paternity list to join his wife, Rene, for the birth of their second child. Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 2024 This season, the show's diligence over several social media controversies, including Tyler Francis' paternity bombshell, came under scrutiny by fans Comments Warning: this post contains spoilers from the Love Is Blind season 7 reunion. Esther Kang, People.com, 31 Oct. 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 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paternity was in 1544

Dictionary Entries Near paternity

Cite this Entry

“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce paternity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being a father
2
: origin or descent from a father
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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