paternity leave
Americannoun
-
paternity leaves
plural
noun
-
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
-
a period of paid or unpaid absence from work granted to a man by his employer immediately after the birth of his child
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of paternity leave
First recorded in 1970–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cleare says workplaces can help by making examples of fathers taking paternity leave, not just offering it, and by setting expectations around when employees are contactable, and supporting career conversations for women.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
The implication was that I’d criticized the vice president for taking a day of paternity leave.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The vice president has said he doesn’t plan to take formal paternity leave, but expects to organize his schedule so he can spend time with his new son.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
With Atkinson also on the naughty step, Robinson injured and Smith on paternity leave it means five changes.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026
Notably, studies have shown that paid paternity leave is associated with a reduced risk of maternal postpartum health complications and an increased rate of infants receiving their necessary vaccines on time.
From Salon ● May 17, 2026
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
