bigamist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A bigamist is specifically someone illegally married to two people simultaneously, typically involving deception. A polygamist has multiple spouses, which may be part of a cultural or religious practice (polygamy) and may not always be illegal or secretive in certain jurisdictions or historical contexts.

Yes, the term is gender-neutral. A woman married to two husbands simultaneously is also a bigamist. The historical/female-specific term 'polyandrist' refers to the practice, not necessarily the crime of bigamy.

Legally, *bigamy* is a strict liability crime in many jurisdictions, meaning the act itself is illegal regardless of intent. However, being called a *bigamist* often implies knowledge and deception. A person who genuinely believes their first marriage was dissolved might commit bigamy but might not be socially labelled a 'bigamist' with its full negative weight.

No. It is a low-frequency, formal, and context-specific word used primarily in legal, journalistic, or academic settings. Most people will go their whole lives without using it in conversation.

A person who enters into marriage with a second spouse while still legally married to the first.

Bigamist is usually formal, legal, descriptive; often found in legal contexts, news reporting, or formal discussions of marriage law and social norms. in register.

Bigamist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪɡəmɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪɡəmɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.