dynasty

dy·nas·ty

noun \ˈdī-nə-stē also -ˌnas-tē, especially British ˈdi-nə-stē\

plural dy·nas·ties

Definition of DYNASTY

1

: a succession of rulers of the same line of descent

2

: a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time

— dy·nas·tic \dī-ˈnas-tik\ adjective

— dy·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of DYNASTY

1. a dynasty that ruled China for nearly 300 years
2. There was a civil war during the dynasty.
3. She was born into a powerful political dynasty.

First Known Use of DYNASTY

14th century

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism