polyandry

noun

poly·​an·​dry ˈpä-lē-ˌan-drē 

: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny

polyandrous

ˌpä-lē-ˈan-drəs 

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. —Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023

But there are many cultures where a husband can have more than one wife (polygyny) or, less commonly, a wife can have more than one husband (polyandry). —Rob Knell, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2016

Among the four couples featured, each is at a different stage in their polyandry journey. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2023

The trailer sees the couple facing tough questions from their families over a meal after presumably sharing their interest in polyandry. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2023

The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2023

First off, the females get to mate with multiple males (a perk called polyandry) that come in two flavors. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2015

The show even dips into polyandry, with comic Leslie Jones playing a pirate named Spanish Jackie who has 19 husbands. —Sara Stewart, CNN, 3 May 2022

How are the terms polyamory and ethical non-monogamy different from polygamy and polyandry? —Eve Ettinger, Health.com, 9 Nov. 2021

See More

Word History

Etymology

Greek polýandros "having many husbands" (from poly- poly- + -andros, adjective derivative of andr-, anḗr "man, husband") + -y entry 2 — more at andro-

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polyandry

noun

poly·​an·​dry ˈpäl-ē-ˌan-drē 

plural polyandries

: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny

polyandrous

ˌpäl-ē-ˈan-drəs 

adjective