dynasty

The word “dynasty” means a sequence of rulers from the same family, one following another. In plain terms, a line of rulers from one family, or any group that stays dominant for a long stretch of time.

“Dynasty” is pronounced DIH-nuhs-tee (/ˈdaɪnəsti/ in IPA).

Here is “dynasty” used in a sentence: “The Ming dynasty ruled China for nearly three centuries.”

“Dynasty” is a noun.

The word “dynasty” comes from Ancient Greek. From Middle French dynastie, ultimately from Ancient Greek dunasteía, meaning power or dominion.

“Dynasty” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Dynasty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sequence of rulers from the same family, one following another.

A monarchy is a system of government headed by a king or queen. A dynasty is the specific family or line whose members hold that power one after another. A single monarchy can be ruled by several different dynasties over time.

An empire is a large group of territories or peoples ruled under one authority. A dynasty is the succession of rulers from one family. An empire may be governed by one dynasty and then pass to another, so the two words describe different things: territory versus family line.

Yes. Beyond royal families, 'dynasty' is widely used for a team, business, or organisation that stays powerful or successful across many years or generations. A team that wins repeatedly over a long period is often called a dynasty.

A dynasty is a family whose members rule in succession. A regime is simply the government or authority in power at a given time, whatever its makeup, and it often carries an authoritarian or negative tone. A regime need not be based on family at all.