paternity test

noun

: a test especially of DNA or genetic traits to determine whether a given man could be the biological father of a given child

Examples of paternity test in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The victim, Jasmine Dunbar, and her ex-boyfriend Antwaun Ware were on the road heading to take a paternity test near Phoenix, Ariz., in March 2018, when she was last seen, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said in a statement. —

Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 Read Next National Ex-boyfriend met her for paternity test. —

Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 2025 Baby's name shared just weeks after paternity test results In early November, Blanchard turned to social media to share the results of a paternity test. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024 Blanchard took a prenatal paternity test and publicly confirmed on Nov. 5 that Urker is the father of her baby and not Anderson. —

Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for paternity test

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of paternity test was in 1926

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Paternity test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity%20test. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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