polygamous

adjective

po·​lyg·​a·​mous pə-ˈli-gə-məs How to pronounce polygamous (audio)
1
a
: relating to or practicing polygamy
b
: having more than one mate at one time
baboons are polygamous
2
: bearing both hermaphrodite and unisexual flowers on the same plant

Examples of polygamous in a Sentence

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.
He is still baffled by the polygamous, fickle nature of American sports fandom. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 11 May 2026 The influence of the polygamous sect has waned significantly over time in the towns where the sect has historically been based. — Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026 Skunks are polygamous, and male skunks travel up to 5 miles during mating season looking for love with as many potential mates as possible. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 In polygamous mammals with strong competition for mates, the males generally die earlier than females. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polygamous

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin & Greek; Medieval Latin polygamus, borrowed from Greek polýgamos "married several times," from poly- poly- + -gamos -gamous

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of polygamous was in 1547

Browse Nearby Words

polygamodioecious
polygamous
polygamy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polygamous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polygamous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

polygamous

adjective
po·​lyg·​a·​mous pə-ˈlig-ə-məs How to pronounce polygamous (audio)
1
: of or relating to marriage in which a spouse has more than one mate at one time
2
: having more than one mate at one time
polygamist
-məst
noun
polygamy
-mē
noun

Medical Definition

polygamous

adjective
po·​lyg·​a·​mous pə-ˈlig-ə-məs How to pronounce polygamous (audio)
1
: relating to or practicing polygamy
2
: having more than one mate at one time

More from Merriam-Webster on polygamous

Nglish: Translation of polygamous for Spanish Speakers

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