matriarch
noun
ma·tri·arch
ˈmā-trē-ˌärk 
: a woman who rules or dominates a family, group, or state
specifically
: a mother who is head and ruler of her family and descendants
Our grandmother was the family's matriarch.
Did you know?
A matriarchy is a social unit governed by a woman or group of women. It isn't certain that a true matriarchal society has ever existed, so matriarchy is usually treated as an imaginative concept. But there are societies in which relatedness through women rather than men is stressed, and elements of matriarchy may be stronger in certain societies than they are in most of the Western world. And most of us can point to families in which a woman has become the dominant figure, or grande dame, or matriarch.
Examples of matriarch in a Sentence
Our grandmother was the family's matriarch.
The tribe's matriarch ruled for 20 years before her death.
Recent Examples on the Web
Explore The Judds See latest videos, charts and news
The documentary delves into the nuanced relationship between The Judds matriarch Naomi Judd and her daughters Ashley and Wynonna.
—
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025
Tom Hardy, House of the Dragon standout and acting legend Paddy Considine and finally, Oscar-winner Helen Mirren as the matriarch of the central crime family.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
While many moments from Rashad's unforgettable time as family matriarch Clair proved the character's parenting prowess — not to mention the actress' capability to bring that to life for audiences — there is one moment that's stood out to viewers of The Cosby Show over the years.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
But plastic is a poor reflector of X-rays, which allowed the deadly disc to evade detection and subjecting the mother, grandmother and beloved family matriarch to prolonged anguish that culminated in her death on Dec. 13, 2023.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
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Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025
Tom Hardy, House of the Dragon standout and acting legend Paddy Considine and finally, Oscar-winner Helen Mirren as the matriarch of the central crime family.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
While many moments from Rashad's unforgettable time as family matriarch Clair proved the character's parenting prowess — not to mention the actress' capability to bring that to life for audiences — there is one moment that's stood out to viewers of The Cosby Show over the years.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
But plastic is a poor reflector of X-rays, which allowed the deadly disc to evade detection and subjecting the mother, grandmother and beloved family matriarch to prolonged anguish that culminated in her death on Dec. 13, 2023.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Cite this Entry
“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matriarch. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
matriarch
noun
ma·tri·arch
ˈmā-trē-ˌärk
: a woman who rules a family, group, or state
especially
: a mother who is head of her family and descendants
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