patriarchal
adjective
\
Definition of patriarchal
: 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
Both queens were navigating life as monarchs in a traditional, patriarchal world while trying to remain in charge and well, alive. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "Mary Queen of Scots," 12 July 2018 While many battles for female independence have since been fought and (largely) won, Markle shows a similar disinclination to bow to patriarchal norms. — Judith Vonberg, CNN, "America's second 'princess': Why Meghan Markle is a modern Grace Kelly," 1 May 2018 Trigger warning: gendered and patriarchal language. — Andy Ngo, WSJ, "Intersectional Bookstore Comes to a Dead End," 5 July 2018 But others on Twitter had more serious criticisms, claiming that the use of drones instead of women further perpetuates the archaic and patriarchal restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia. — Madeleine Ngo, Vox, "A Saudi fashion show faced backlash after replacing models with drones. There are deeper issues.," 8 June 2018 In it, Davis maintains that the Saints impose blatant and patriarchal double standards. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Former Saints Cheerleader Brings to Light Sexist Rules With Discrimination Charge," 27 Mar. 2018 The Ranch’s front portico is littered with board shorts and jerseys, as athletes mingle around and the competition has the air of a family reunion where Slater cuts a patriarchal figure. — Hemal Jhaveri, For The Win, "How Kelly Slater took surfing out of the ocean and onto dry land," 3 July 2018 As anyone who tuned into the episode noticed, many young Armenians value the eloquence and sentimentality of traditional toasting but take the old-fashioned, patriarchal stuff with a grain of salt. — Benjamin Kemper, Smithsonian, "Raising a Glass to Armenia’s Elaborate Toasting Tradition," 13 July 2018 In the trailer, Mary Stuart returns to her native Scotland, now under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. Mary hopes to reign in Scotland harmoniously, despite pressures from patriarchal counsels to pursue war. — Jillian Forstadt, The Hollywood Reporter, "Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie Face Off for Throne in 'Mary Queen of Scots' Trailer," 12 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patriarchal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on patriarchal
What made you want to look up patriarchal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Food Quiz
-
- Name these cookies!
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
Share patriarchal
Resources for patriarchal