patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl 

: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy

a patriarchal culture

a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More determined than ever, Elsa challenges patriarchal structures and carves out a path for her independent motherhood. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

More determined than ever, Elsa challenges patriarchal structures and creates space for her autonomous motherhood. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

The novel shows how women can reinforce patriarchal norms by enforcing ideals of ritual purity against other women. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Others, though—Cahun and Moore, but also Victor Brauner—saw how fascism was inextricable from patriarchal power, and sought to free themselves from the confines of gender altogether. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing patriarchal

• patriarchal cross

Rhymes for patriarchal

• matriarchal
• sparkle