polyandry

noun

poly·​an·​dry ˈpä-lē-ˌan-drē How to pronounce polyandry (audio)
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous 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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polyandry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyandry was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near polyandry

Cite this Entry

“Polyandry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyandry. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

polyandry

noun
poly·​an·​dry ˈpäl-ē-ˌan-drē How to pronounce polyandry (audio)
plural polyandries
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on polyandry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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