patriarchy

noun

pa·​tri·​ar·​chy ˈpā-trē-ˌär-kē How to pronounce patriarchy (audio)
plural patriarchies
1
: social organization marked by the supremacy of the father in the clan or family, the legal dependence of wives and children, and the reckoning of descent and inheritance in the male line
broadly : control by men of a disproportionately large share of power
2
: a society or institution organized according to the principles or practices of patriarchy
For 20 years the country was ruled as a patriarchy.

Examples of patriarchy in a Sentence

For 20 years, the country was ruled as a patriarchy. a region in which patriarchy is practiced
Recent Examples on the Web The right hails these dictators as ideological comrades in the war to preserve traditional society, the values of order and patriarchy, against the assault of the decadent left. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2024 In hindsight, 2003 was an omen of the toxic mix of jingoism and patriarchy that was to come. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 But Gosling is supremely effervescent as a doll who sings, dances and learns about the pitfalls of toxic masculinity and the patriarchy. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024 This outdated patriarchy machismo parallels the Oscars, where Barbie and Gretta Gerwig were snubbed nominations. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 3 Feb. 2024 Advertisement Entertainment & Arts ‘POTUS,’ an all-female political farce, battles the patriarchy at the Geffen Playhouse Jan. 28, 2024 Marvin (Malcolm Barrett) works for an organization called the Congress for Cultural Freedom. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2024 What is a man without the harmful, corrosive effects of the patriarchy that imprisons us all? Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2024 Some fans and critics also said the omissions could be seen as a sign that Hollywood is still a patriarchy that fails to suitably honor the accomplishments of female artists. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024 Several fans also said last week’s snubs exemplified the film’s key messages about gender inequality and patriarchy. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patriarchy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchy was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near patriarchy

Cite this Entry

“Patriarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

patriarchy

noun
pa·​tri·​ar·​chy ˈpā-trē-ˌär-kē How to pronounce patriarchy (audio)
plural patriarchies
1
: social organization in which the father is head of the family and ancestry and inheritance are traced in the male line
2
: a society organized according to the principles of patriarchy

More from Merriam-Webster on patriarchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!