noun
- the state of being a father; fatherhood
- descent or derivation from a father
Usage: legal
Examples
- He took paternity leave after his son was born.
- The court ordered a paternity test to determine the child’s father.
- Questions about paternity arose during the custody hearing.
- The hospital offers paternity testing services.
- He acknowledged paternity of the child.
- Paternity rights include the responsibility to provide financial support.