polycule

noun

poly·​cule ˈpä-lē-ˌkyül How to pronounce polycule (audio)
plural polycules
: a group of three or more people engaged to varying degrees in consensual polyamory with one another
Currently, the 28-year-old is in a "polycule" with three other people, William, Mike and Laura, all of whom are also dating the other members of the polycule.Sirin Kale
polycules can range in size and complexity, depending on the people engaged in them.Eliza Dumais and Gigi Engle
Not everyone in a polycule is romantically involved with every other person in the group, with connections described as more of a web.Kinta Walsh-Cotton
… a novel about one woman's midlife experience of peacefully forming a fun little polycule.Jo Hamya
compare throuple

Word History

Etymology

blend of poly- (in polyamory) and molecule

First Known Use

2010, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polycule was in 2010

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polycule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polycule. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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