matriarchal

adjective

ma·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌmā-trē-ˈär-kəl 

: of, relating to, or being a matriarch or matriarchy

a matriarchal society

Johnnie Angelia King … plays a very different matriarchal figure here, imbuing hard-working Faye with passion …

—Larry T. Collins

As a Filipino-American, Lirio Marcelo was steeped in a matriarchal culture where there was no shortage of female role models in corporate and government realms.

—Lydia Dishman

Examples of matriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

In the supporting role of the matriarchal cookhouse keeper Maria was Denyce Graves, the legendary mezzo-soprano opera star. —Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

There is a strong matriarchal figure whose presence dictates the course of action. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 May 2026

This matriarchal practice defines Tunisia’s food culture. —Boutheina Ben Salem, Vogue, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for matriarchal

• patriarchal
• sparkle