formal
: the state or fact of being the father of a particular child
He acknowledged paternity of her child. [=he admitted that he was the father of her child]
The child's paternity was in question. [=people questioned who the child's father was]
always used before a noun
1
: relating to the time when a father's child is born
paternity rights
Will he be able to take paternity leave? [=time off to take care of a newborn child]
2
: done to prove that a man is the father of a particular child
a paternity suit
paternity (DNA) tests/testing
Cite this Entry
“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/paternity. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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