polygamy

noun

po·​lyg·​a·​my pə-ˈli-gə-mē How to pronounce polygamy (audio)
1
: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time compare polyandry, polygyny
2
: the state of being polygamous
polygamist noun
polygamize intransitive verb

Examples of polygamy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In Libya, Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, the leader of the National Transitional Council, ended a ban on polygamy in his maiden speech to the country. Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2017 This act restored their civil rights and property, which had been taken away during the government’s efforts to eliminate polygamy in the Utah territory. Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024 The last time Sarah saw her son was August 2020. MORE: Former FLDS members fear their children's disappearance is part of Warren Jeffs' prophecy The FLDS was founded more than 130 years ago after polygamy was outlawed in the Mormon Church. Lauren Lantry, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2024 The pair attempt to adapt to life as a monogamous couple, leaving polygamy behind. Selena Kuznikov, Variety, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polygamy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polygamy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin polygamia "frequent marriage," borrowed from Greek polygamía, from polýgamos "married several times, polygamous" + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polygamy was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near polygamy

Cite this Entry

“Polygamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polygamy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

polygamy

noun
po·​lyg·​a·​my -mē How to pronounce polygamy (audio)
plural polygamies
: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time compare polyandry, polygyny

Legal Definition

polygamy

noun
po·​lyg·​a·​my pə-ˈli-gə-mē How to pronounce polygamy (audio)
: the offense of having several and specifically more than two spouses at one time compare bigamy
polygamous adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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