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
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Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, the latter of which Povich says was a huge fan of Maury and would bet on the results of the paternity tests among his friends, as well as Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. Catherine Santino, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Estimates based on paternity tests are biased, as people paying for a test often already suspect EPP. Byandrew Curry, science.org, 6 Mar. 2025 The groom's sister is now disinvited from the wedding 24 Comments A woman refused to help pay for her brother's wedding until his fiancée took a paternity test. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025 In the end, the case came down to a simple paternity test. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Paternity test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternity%20test. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

paternity test

noun
pa·​ter·​ni·​ty test pə-ˈtər-nət-ē- How to pronounce paternity test (audio)
: a test especially of DNA or genetic traits to determine whether a given man could be the biological father of a given child
paternity testing noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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