polygynous

adjective

po·​lyg·​y·​nous pə-ˈli-jə-nəs 

: relating to or practicing polygyny

polygynous species of birds

Examples of polygynous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the short term, males are only moderately polygynous. — New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2026

Moreover, when comparing families within communities, polygynous households were typically wealthier, a key factor in making polygyny attractive to women, and children were not disadvantaged. — David W. Lawson, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025

But with the rise of agriculture, societies tended to become more complex — and less polygynous. — Rob Knell, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2016

Word History

Etymology

polygyny + -ous

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polygynous

• indigenous
• nonindigenous