parentage

noun

par·​ent·​age ˈper-ən-tij How to pronounce parentage (audio)
Synonyms of parentagenext
1
a
: descent from parents or ancestors : lineage
a person of noble parentage
b
: derivation, origin
a tradition of uncertain parentage
2
: parenthood

Synonyms of parentage

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Examples of parentage in a Sentence

they were pleased that their son's girlfriend was of good parentage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, questions about who has parental rights would have to be resolved under other parts of Texas parentage law. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 The couple sought to establish parentage through the courts, with legal proceedings unfolding across multiple states, including Alaska, California and Texas, according to The Texas Tribune. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 The court order says that Texas law governs the child's parentage, the child's protection, and medical decision-making for the child. — Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 The fact that the series ends with Natalie’s parentage still unresolved feels like a real conversation-starter. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for parentage

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, from parent parent entry 1 + -age -age

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of parentage was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

parent
parentage
parental
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parentage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parentage. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parentage

noun
par·​ent·​age ˈpar-ənt-ij How to pronounce parentage (audio)
ˈper-
: descent from parents or ancestors : lineage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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