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
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
The Present Study finds matriarchal societies are good for women’s health
A study of the Mosuo women, known for their matriarchy, suggests that gender roles can influence our health outcomes.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for matriarchy 
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.
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
The Present Study finds matriarchal societies are good for women’s health
A study of the Mosuo women, known for their matriarchy, suggests that gender roles can influence our health outcomes.
—Big Think, 24 June 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 21 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share