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

Furthermore, many noted that Carlson’s criticism of paternity leave stands in stark contrast to Fox News’ own policy, which offers new parents six weeks of paid leave.

From The Daily Beast

Studies from across the world consistently show that men who take paternity leave tend to be more involved in their children’s lives, have better relationships with family members and help their partners recover from childbirth more quickly.

From No Straight News

Although these men have the option at their company to take more than two weeks, 58% worry that taking six weeks of paternity leave will set their career back, causing 55% to fear losing their job by taking full paternity leave, per the same report.

From Digiday

Next on her to-do list is to push for an expansion of state-mandated paternity leave, which is currently only 48 hours, compared to three months for women.

From Time

Then he was with the club in late August, one last time, holding Hunter Strickland’s place while he took paternity leave.

From Washington Post

Some seventy-plus countries currently offer some paternity leave or parental leave days reserved for the father.

From The Daily Beast

Certainly paid paternity leave is part of it (and in the U.S., we need paid maternity and paternity leave).

From The Daily Beast

He even took paternity leave from his role as an RAF rescue pilot.

From The Daily Beast

William returned to his RAF base on Anglesey yesterday when his paternity leave came to an end.

From The Daily Beast

William is the first member of the royal family to have taken paternity leave.

From The Daily Beast