Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Fatherhood /fäth'-ẽrh-o͝odˌ/ · Fa·ther·hood · IPA /ˈfɑ.ðɚˌhʊd/ 01 n. The state of being a father; the character or authority of a father; paternity. 1. The state of being a father; the character or authority of a father; paternity.