matriarchy
noun
ma·tri·ar·chy
ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē 
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
Andor is a matriarchy, and so the role of heir falls to his younger sister, Elayne.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024
The odds of seeing the show’s characters integrate the most liberating elements of their twisted matriarchy into their oppressive existences as middle-aged women in the retrograde 2020s, seem slim.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024
Welfare, in other words, inadvertently kept Black families trapped in poverty by encouraging matriarchy and offering an alternative to breadwinning fathers who would support their families.
—TIME, 5 Sep. 2024
Reflecting on Spillers' analysis of Black matriarchy juxtaposed against patriarchal norms, Palmer articulates the struggle of existing within a framework that historically marginalises Black women.
—Stephanie Long, refinery29.com, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for matriarchy 
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Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024
The odds of seeing the show’s characters integrate the most liberating elements of their twisted matriarchy into their oppressive existences as middle-aged women in the retrograde 2020s, seem slim.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024
Welfare, in other words, inadvertently kept Black families trapped in poverty by encouraging matriarchy and offering an alternative to breadwinning fathers who would support their families.
—TIME, 5 Sep. 2024
Reflecting on Spillers' analysis of Black matriarchy juxtaposed against patriarchal norms, Palmer articulates the struggle of existing within a framework that historically marginalises Black women.
—Stephanie Long, refinery29.com, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for matriarchy
Dictionary Entries Near matriarchy
Cite this Entry
“Matriarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matriarchy. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
matriarchy
noun
ma·tri·ar·chy
ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē
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
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