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

The legislation will give workers access to sick pay and paternity leave from the first day on the job and contains new protections for pregnant women and new mothers.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

The business department confirmed on Thursday that it still plans to bring in day-one sick pay and paternity leave rights from April 2026.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

Parents who do not work might still be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare if their partner works, or they receive some benefits - for example if they are on maternity or paternity leave.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

Opener Phil Salt also returns after he missed the West Indies series at the beginning of the summer for paternity leave.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 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