hypergamy

noun

hy·per·ga·my | \hī-ˈpər-gə-mē

\

plural hypergamies

Definition of hypergamy

: marriage into an equal or higher caste or social group

Examples of hypergamy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Young migrant men will suffer all the more because of a preference among Chinese women for marrying men with more money or education (a practice known as hypergamy). — The Economist, "In China’s cities, young people with rural ties are angry," 3 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypergamy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hypergamy

Dictionary Entries near hypergamy

hypergeometric distribution

Statistics for hypergamy

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for hypergamy

The first known use of hypergamy was in 1883

See more words from the same year

Comments on hypergamy

What made you want to look up hypergamy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

linchpin

one that holds something together

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games