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
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025
Similar patterns of paternity have been documented in other humpback populations in the Pacific as well as in other baleen whale species, including North Atlantic right whales.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012
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Noun
In Season 4, Isaac’s paternity secret was made public, creating a fracture in his friendship with Noreen and others who were shocked by the news.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025
Similar patterns of paternity have been documented in other humpback populations in the Pacific as well as in other baleen whale species, including North Atlantic right whales.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025
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
Dictionary Entries Near paternity
Cite this Entry
“Paternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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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