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
Alison Herman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Sibray told investigators that the two began stopping by shortly after Shea filed that court document to establish paternity.
—Stephanie Slifer, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
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Noun
Despite Camille’s gift, losing the competition and learning his true paternity have done a number on the young man, who can’t simply turn off his competitive instincts overnight.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Sibray told investigators that the two began stopping by shortly after Shea filed that court document to establish paternity.
—Stephanie Slifer, CBS News, 4 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for paternity
Cite this Entry
“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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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