noun
Uncommon
polygamy
puh-LIHG-uh-mee
Polygamy (noun) means the practice or condition of having more than one spouse at the same time. Example: “Polygamy is illegal in most Western countries but practiced legally elsewhere.”
noun
1
The practice or condition of having more than one spouse at the same time.
"Are there countries where polygamy is legal for both men and women?"
"Though Islam allows polygamy, it is frowned upon in many contemporary Muslim societies."
"Polygamy is illegal in most Western countries but practiced legally elsewhere."
How to use polygamy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing married to more than one person at once.
Common mistake
Polygyny (one husband, many wives) and polyandry (one wife, many husbands) are more specific forms of polygamy.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- polygamies
Fill the gap
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_____ is illegal in most Western countries but practiced legally elsewhere.
Etymology
From Greek polugamía, from polús ("many") and gámos ("marriage").
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for polygamy
See all rhymes for polygamy →Frequently asked questions
What does “polygamy” mean?
The word “polygamy” means the practice or condition of having more than one spouse at the same time. In plain terms, being married to more than one person at once.
How do you pronounce “polygamy”?
“Polygamy” is pronounced puh-LIHG-uh-mee (/pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/ in IPA).
How do you use “polygamy” in a sentence?
Here is “polygamy” used in a sentence: “Polygamy is illegal in most Western countries but practiced legally elsewhere.”
What part of speech is “polygamy”?
“Polygamy” is a noun.
Where does the word “polygamy” come from?
The word “polygamy” comes from Greek. From Greek polugamía, from polús ("many") and gámos ("marriage").
Is “polygamy” a common word?
“Polygamy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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