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Definitions

paternal

[puh-tur-nl] / pəˈtɜr nl /


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.

“It somehow felt like it was upper-class,” Nana, my paternal grandmother, recently told me.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

In the process, they identified 15 living male descendants linked directly through the paternal line to Leonardo's father and his half-brother, Domenico Benedetto.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

James's last name didn't feature in Michelle's paternal line - he wasn't her father.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

John Nolan, a veteran British stage and screen actor and the paternal uncle of filmmakers Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, has died at 87.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

“Very well, my son, for a small boy!” and walked him off, with a paternal pat on the head.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott




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