hypergamy

noun hy·per·ga·my \ hī-ˈpər-gə-mē \

Definition of hypergamy

plural hypergamies

: marriage into an equal or higher caste or social group

Recent Examples of hypergamy from 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.

First Known Use of hypergamy

1883

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Learn More about hypergamy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypergamy

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