matriarchy
noun
ma·tri·ar·chy
ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē 
plural matriarchies
1
: a family, group, or state governed by a matriarch
2
: a system of social organization in which descent and inheritance are traced through the female line
Examples of matriarchy in a Sentence
For 20 years, the country was ruled as a matriarchy.
a region in which matriarchy is practiced
Recent Examples on the Web
Hadera encompasses the matriarchy of the King Family with aptitude and care.
—
Malik Peay, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025
Like the xenomorphs themselves, Hawley liked the idea of a matriarchy for this corporate entity.
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
What's refreshing about Donovan is her ability to recognize the evolution of her thinking toward womanhood, parenthood, matriarchy and restaurant culture through the course of her life.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
As scholar Angela Davis pointed out, the Black single mothers of America did not constitute a matriarchy in any sense that implied a preponderance of social power.
—Augustine Sedgewick, Time, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarchy
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Malik Peay, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025
Like the xenomorphs themselves, Hawley liked the idea of a matriarchy for this corporate entity.
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
What's refreshing about Donovan is her ability to recognize the evolution of her thinking toward womanhood, parenthood, matriarchy and restaurant culture through the course of her life.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
As scholar Angela Davis pointed out, the Black single mothers of America did not constitute a matriarchy in any sense that implied a preponderance of social power.
—Augustine Sedgewick, Time, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarchy
Cite this Entry
“Matriarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matriarchy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
matriarchy
noun
ma·tri·ar·chy
ˈmā-trē-ˌär-kē
plural matriarchies
1
: a family, group, or state headed by a matriarch
2
: a system of social organization in which descent and inheritance are traced through the female line
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