paternity leave

American  

noun

1. a leave of absence from a job for a father to care for a new baby.

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paternity leave British  

noun

1. a period of paid absence from work, in the UK currently two weeks, to which a man is legally entitled immediately after the birth of his child

2. a period of paid or unpaid absence from work granted to a man by his employer immediately after the birth of his child

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Etymology

Origin of paternity leave

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Access to childcare can be highly dependent on your postcode, campaigners say, and parental leave pay fluctuates wildly, depending on the generosity of employers, while others rely solely on statutory maternity and paternity leave pay.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

Some assume that a generous maternity or paternity leave policy benefits an infant, because it allows a parent to be at home for more time during their child's crucial first year of development.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

Shaun, an electrician, is getting two weeks of paternity leave - the statutory minimum.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Phillipson said the deadlock over unfair dismissal could have "jeopardised" the bill, which also contains new worker benefits, such as immediate rights to sick pay and paternity leave.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

As Goldin notes, Japan also has extensive coverage for fertility care and more than 30 weeks of paid paternity leave, but its birth rates remain among the lowest.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2025