adjective

polyamorous

pol-ee-AM-uh-ruhs

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Polyamorous (adjective) means having or open to having more than one romantic or sexual relationship at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. Example: “They have been in a polyamorous relationship for six years.”

adjective

Having or open to having more than one romantic or sexual relationship at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

"They have been in a polyamorous relationship for six years."

"She identifies as polyamorous and is upfront about it on dates."

Relating to polyamory as a practice or community.

"The city has a large and well-organised polyamorous scene."

How to use polyamorous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing in more than one loving relationship at once, with everyone knowing and agreeing.

When to use it

Neutral and standard. Often shortened to "poly" in speech and dating profiles.

Memory tip

Consent is the defining feature. Multiple relationships without everyone's knowledge is not polyamory, it is cheating.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

polygamous → open relationship swinging → monogamous →

Common pairings

polyamorous relationship openly polyamorous polyamorous community

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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”.

Test yourself on “polyamorous” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They have been in a _____ relationship for six years.

Etymology

A modern hybrid compound of Greek poly-, "many", and Latin amor, "love".

Origin: Greek and Latin

Synonyms

View more →

poly non-monogamous consensually non-monogamous

Antonyms

monogamous

Related words

loose poly monogamous polygamous

Rhymes for polyamorous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

See all rhymes for polyamorous →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between polyamorous and polygamous?

Polyamory is about having multiple loving relationships, married or not, with everyone's consent. Polygamy specifically means being married to more than one spouse, and is often tied to religious or cultural tradition. You can be polyamorous without any marriage at all.

What is the difference between polyamory and an open relationship?

An open relationship usually means one committed couple who agree to sex with other people, while the emotional partnership stays exclusive. Polyamory allows multiple romantic attachments, not just sexual ones. Both fall under consensual non-monogamy.

Is polyamory the same as cheating?

No. The whole basis of polyamory is that every partner knows about the others and agrees to the arrangement. Cheating involves deception and broken agreements, which can happen inside a polyamorous relationship just as easily as a monogamous one.

What is the meaning of polyamorous?

"polyamorous" (adjective) means having or open to having more than one romantic or sexual relationship at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

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