Definition of MATRIARCHY

matriarchy

Plural: matriarchies

Noun

  • a form of social organization in which a female is the family head and title is traced through the female line
  • A social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children, and lineage is traced through the female line.
  • A system of government by females (particularly as a kind of polity).
  • The dominance of women in social or cultural systems.

Origin / Etymology

Coined after patriarchy, from Latin māter (“mother”) and Ancient Greek ἄρχω (árkhō, “I rule”). By surface analysis, matri- + -archy.

Antonyms

patriarchy

Scrabble Score: 20

matriarchy is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
matriarchy is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
matriarchy is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

matriarchy is a valid Words With Friends word