paternity leave

noun

1. a leave of absence from a job for a father to care for a new baby.

paternity leave

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternity leave¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Those that experience pregnancy loss after 24 weeks, known as stillbirth, are entitled to statutory maternity or paternity leave and pay.

From BBC

Plus, when men do take time off to care for their children, it can be seen as weak — like when Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took paternity leave and was called a “loser.”

From Salon

Roughly 30,000 fathers or partners will be eligible for paternity leave as a result, while 1.5 million parents will have the right to unpaid leave from day one under the changes.

From BBC

The last time England needed a stand-in Test captain was when Stokes deputised for Joe Root on paternity leave in 2020.

From BBC

With a limit of 72 hours for paternity leave, he didn’t get much time with his new son.

From Seattle Times