polyamory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-MidFormal, Technical, Academic, Identity/Community
Quick answer
What does “polyamory” mean?
The practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the knowledge and consent of all partners involved.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the knowledge and consent of all partners involved.
An umbrella term for various ethical, consensual, and responsible non-monogamous relationship practices and identities, often grounded in philosophies of openness, communication, and abundance of love. It focuses on forming multiple meaningful connections, distinct from casual non-monogamy or infidelity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more established and visible in public discourse in North American English due to earlier popularisation in media. In British English, it may still carry a stronger association with niche subcultures, though this is fading.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, correlating with the size and visibility of the polyamory community there. The term is understood but less commonly used in mainstream British media.
Grammar
How to Use “polyamory” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] + practices/explores + polyamoryPolyamory + is/based on + [principle, e.g., consent]A + polyamory + relationship/arrangementVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polyamory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They have chosen to polyamorise their relationship structure.
- Few actively verb the term; 'practice polyamory' is standard.
American English
- Some in the community polyamorise as a verb, though it's non-standard.
- They decided to ethically open their marriage and effectively polyamorise.
adverb
British English
- They are living polyamorously, with full transparency to all involved.
- The couple decided to date polyamorously after much discussion.
American English
- They are navigating their connections polyamorously and with clear boundaries.
- She prefers to engage polyamorously rather than in a strictly open relationship.
adjective
British English
- She is in a polyamorous relationship with two partners.
- The polyamorous community in London is quite active.
American English
- He identifies as polyamorous and is dating multiple people.
- They attended a polyamorous support group in Seattle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in HR discussions on diversity and relationship structures in a progressive context, but extremely rare.
Academic
Used in sociology, psychology, gender studies, and anthropology papers discussing alternative family structures, relationship ethics, and postmodern intimacy.
Everyday
Used in personal conversations about relationships, identity, and lifestyle choices. Increasingly understood in urban, liberal circles.
Technical
The precise term within counselling, therapy, and sexology to describe this specific form of consensual non-monogamy, distinct from other types.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polyamory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polyamory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polyamory”
- Confusing with 'polygamy' (multiple spouses, often within a religious/cultural framework, not necessarily with full consent of all).
- Using it interchangeably with 'cheating' or 'infidelity' (polyamory requires consent).
- Misspelling as 'polymory' or 'polyamorous' (the noun form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Polygamy (e.g., polygyny) is a form of marriage, often culturally or religiously sanctioned, where one person has multiple spouses. Polyamory is a broader relationship philosophy focused on consensual, ethical multiple loving relationships, which may or may not involve marriage.
Jealousy is a human emotion that can arise in any relationship structure. Polyamorous communities often emphasise 'compersion' (taking joy in a partner's other relationships) and develop sophisticated communication tools and self-awareness practices to manage jealousy constructively, rather than relying on exclusivity to avoid it.
Not primarily. While sexuality can be part of it, polyamory emphasises the capacity for multiple deep, loving, committed relationships. It's more about emotional intimacy, connection, and building a chosen network of partners, which distinguishes it from solely sexually open arrangements.
Reliable statistics are difficult to obtain, but surveys suggest a small but growing percentage (approx. 4-5%) of people in Western countries have engaged in consensual non-monogamy, with polyamory being one form of it. Its visibility in media and academia has increased significantly since the early 2000s.
The practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the knowledge and consent of all partners involved.
Polyamory is usually formal, technical, academic, identity/community in register.
Polyamory: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɒl.iˈæm.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑː.liˈæm.ɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The relationship escalator (contrasted with polyamorous models)”
- “More than one love”
- “Loving abundantly”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POLY' (many) + 'AMOR' (love, from Latin) + 'Y' (state of). 'The state of having many loves.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE IS A RESOURCE OF ABUNDANCE (not a scarce commodity to be hoarded). RELATIONSHIPS ARE A NETWORK/CONSTELLATION (not a single exclusive dyad).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a core, defining element of polyamory?