matriarchy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “matriarchy” mean?
A social system in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power and authority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social system in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power and authority.
A society, community, or family group governed or dominated by women. It can also refer to the state or period when a mother is head of the family.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
The term is often used in a descriptive, historical, or theoretical sense. In political or feminist discourse, it can carry ideological weight, sometimes idealized or criticised.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; higher in academic and sociological texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “matriarchy” in a Sentence
[Society/group] is a matriarchy.They lived under a matriarchy.The theory of an ancient matriarchy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matriarchy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No direct verb form.
American English
- No direct verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The Mosuo people have matriarchal traditions.
- Her matriarchal leadership style was effective.
American English
- The anthropologist studied a matriarchal community.
- The company had a surprisingly matriarchal structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could appear in discussions about company culture or leadership diversity ('a corporate matriarchy').
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, gender studies, and history. Used to describe societies or theoretical models.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in discussions about family dynamics ('Our family is a bit of a matriarchy.').
Technical
Used with specific anthropological criteria (e.g., matrilineal descent, matrilocal residence, female political authority).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matriarchy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matriarchy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matriarchy”
- Confusing 'matriarchy' with 'matrilineality' (tracing descent through the female line). Using it to mean simply 'a powerful woman' rather than a social system. Misspelling as 'matriarcy' or 'matriachy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Matrilineal refers to tracing family descent through the mother's line. A matriarchy is a broader system where women hold dominant power positions. A society can be matrilineal without being a matriarchy.
This is debated by scholars. Some evidence points to matrilineal and matrilocal societies, but definitive evidence of societies where women held comprehensive political power comparable to patriarchies is scarce and contested.
Yes, informally. It can describe a family where the mother or grandmother is the dominant authority figure making key decisions.
The adjective is 'matriarchal', as in 'a matriarchal society'.
A social system in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power and authority.
Matriarchy is usually formal, academic in register.
Matriarchy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪ.tri.ɑː.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪ.tri.ɑːr.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None commonly associated with this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MATRI-' as in 'maternal' or 'mother', and '-ARCHY' as in 'rule' (like monarchy). It's the 'rule of mothers'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A FAMILY (with the mother as the head).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the direct antonym of 'matriarchy'?