noun

matriarchy

Matriarchy (noun) means a social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children, and lineage is traced through the female line.

noun

A social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children, and lineage is traced through the female line.

A system of government by females (particularly as a kind of polity).

The dominance of women in social or cultural systems.

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Etymology

Coined after patriarchy, from Latin māter (“mother”) and Ancient Greek ἄρχω (árkhō, “to rule”). By surface analysis, matri- + -archy.

Rhymes for matriarchy

anarchy monarchy oligarchy hierarchy patriarchy

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of matriarchy?

"matriarchy" (noun) means a social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children, and lineage is traced through the female line.

What are the different meanings of matriarchy?

"matriarchy" has 3 main meanings: 1. A social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children, and lineage is traced through the female line; 2. A system of government by females (particularly as a kind of polity); 3. The dominance of women in social or cultural systems.