noun

bigamy

BIH-guh-mee

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Bigamy (noun) means the crime or state of being married to two people at the same time. Example: “He was arrested for bigamy after marrying a second wife without divorcing his first.”

noun

The crime or state of being married to two people at the same time.

"He was arrested for bigamy after marrying a second wife without divorcing his first."

How to use bigamy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing illegally married to two people at once.

Common mistake

Bigamy specifically means two spouses and is illegal in most countries; polygamy is the broader term for multiple spouses, legal in some cultures.

Easily confused with

polygamy →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bigamies

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He was arrested for _____ after marrying a second wife without divorcing his first.

Etymology

From Late Latin bigamia, formed from Latin bis ("twice") plus Greek gamos ("marriage") — literally "double marriage." The word entered English through Anglo-Norman and Middle French.

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for bigamy

Amy Swamy infamy creamy dreamy steamy Bellamy polygamy monogamy

See all rhymes for bigamy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bigamy” mean?

The word “bigamy” means the crime or state of being married to two people at the same time. In plain terms, being illegally married to two people at once.

How do you pronounce “bigamy”?

“Bigamy” is pronounced BIH-guh-mee (/ˈbɪɡəmi/ in IPA).

How do you use “bigamy” in a sentence?

Here is “bigamy” used in a sentence: “He was arrested for bigamy after marrying a second wife without divorcing his first.”

What part of speech is “bigamy”?

“Bigamy” is a noun.

Where does the word “bigamy” come from?

The word “bigamy” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin bigamia, formed from Latin bis ("twice") plus Greek gamos ("marriage") — literally "double marriage." The word entered English through Anglo-Norman and Middle French.