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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.

Prader-Willi syndrome stems from the loss of function of specific genes on the paternal copy of chromosome 15.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The older girl hides her face, but her sister keeps watching as a paternal figure explains the physics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

From coastal Jableh, her paternal family’s home, she recalls the aromas of “flavored hookah smoke, nuts toasting on carts, and boiled sweet corn.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The others are the author’s paternal grandparents, José María and Petra Peña.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

“Of course you don’t cheat, Bailey,” his voice tender and paternal.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier




Vocabulary lists containing paternal