homogamy

noun

ho·​mog·​a·​my hō-ˈmä-gə-mē How to pronounce homogamy (audio)
: the mating of like with like
homogamous adjective

Examples of homogamy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In some ways the homogamy is even more striking for minorities. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2012 Spousal similarity was not due to convergence or social homogamy... Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2012 Social homogamy -- or the tendency for people to choose a mate from within one's own religious, social, economic and educational surroundings -- played only a small role. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 11 May 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homogamy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Homogamie, from hom- + -gamie -gamy

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homogamy was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near homogamy

Cite this Entry

“Homogamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homogamy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

homogamy

noun
ho·​mog·​a·​my hō-ˈmäg-ə-mē How to pronounce homogamy (audio)
plural homogamies
: reproduction within an isolated group perpetuating qualities by which it is differentiated from the larger group of which it is a part
broadly : the mating of like with like
homogamous adjective
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