polygamy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “polygamy” mean?
The practice or custom of having more than one spouse at the same time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or custom of having more than one spouse at the same time.
1. The state of being married to more than one person simultaneously. 2. In biology, a mating pattern where an individual has multiple mates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is cultural/religious practice or anthropological study. It carries a formal, descriptive tone.
Frequency
Similar low frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in anthropological, sociological, or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “polygamy” in a Sentence
Polygamy is + [adjective/past participle] (e.g., practiced, forbidden).The + [practice/institution/custom] of polygamy.Verb + polygamy (e.g., outlaw, defend, study).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polygamy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Polygamous societies were studied in the module.
- The tribe had a polygamous structure.
American English
- Polygamous marriages are not legally recognized here.
- He comes from a polygamous community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and biology (behavioural ecology).
Everyday
Rare; used in discussions of culture, religion, or news reports about specific communities.
Technical
Used precisely in anthropology/sociology to describe marriage systems; in biology for animal mating behaviour.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polygamy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polygamy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polygamy”
- Using 'polygamy' to mean simply dating multiple people (the correct term is 'polyamory').
- Confusing 'polygamy' (the system) with 'bigamy' (the crime of marrying while still legally married to another).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Polygamy specifically refers to marriage (having multiple spouses). Polyamory refers to having multiple romantic/sexual relationships with the consent of all involved, regardless of marriage.
No. Bigamy is the criminal offence of marrying someone while still legally married to another person. Polygamy is a cultural or religious practice or system of marriage.
Yes, 'polygamy' is the general term. The specific term for one woman with multiple husbands is 'polyandry'. The more common specific form, one man with multiple wives, is 'polygyny'.
Yes, polygamy is legally recognised in some countries, often based on religious or customary law, such as in parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It is not legally recognised in most Western nations.
The practice or custom of having more than one spouse at the same time.
Polygamy is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Polygamy: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪɡəmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪɡəmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POLY' (many) + 'GAMY' (marriage).
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A POSSESSION (as in 'having multiple spouses').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most specific term for a marriage system where one man has multiple wives?