matriarchy

noun

ma·​tri·​ar·​chy ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē How to pronounce matriarchy (audio)
plural matriarchies
1
: a family, group, or state governed by a matriarch
2
: a system of social organization in which descent and inheritance are traced through the female line

Examples of matriarchy in a Sentence

For 20 years, the country was ruled as a matriarchy. a region in which matriarchy is practiced
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.
Go figure, the whole thing was a matriarchy from the start. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 Neale explained that the cattle were organized in a matriarchy, with a female at the top of the pecking order. — Leslie Jamison, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025 Like the xenomorphs themselves, Hawley liked the idea of a matriarchy for this corporate entity. — EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025 Hadera encompasses the matriarchy of the King Family with aptitude and care. — Malik Peay, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for matriarchy

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of matriarchy was in 1885

Rhymes for matriarchy

See All Rhymes for matriarchy

Browse Nearby Words

matriarchate
matriarchy
matric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matriarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matriarchy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

matriarchy

noun
ma·​tri·​ar·​chy ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē How to pronounce matriarchy (audio)
plural matriarchies
1
: a family, group, or state headed by a matriarch
2
: a system of social organization in which descent and inheritance are traced through the female line

More from Merriam-Webster on matriarchy

Nglish: Translation of matriarchy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about matriarchy

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