polygyny: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “polygyny” mean?
The practice or condition of having more than one wife or female mate at one time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or condition of having more than one wife or female mate at one time.
1. A specific form of polygamy in which one male has simultaneous relationships with multiple females. 2. In anthropology/sociology, a recognized marriage structure. 3. In zoology, a mating system where one male mates with several females.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral anthropological/technical term in both varieties. In religious or cultural discussions, may carry context-dependent connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “polygyny” in a Sentence
[Subject] practises polygyny.Polygyny is [adjective] in [culture/group].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polygyny” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Periphrastic: 'to practise polygyny']
American English
- [No standard verb form. Periphrastic: 'to practice polygyny']
adverb
British English
- polygynously (extremely rare)
- They were married polygynously.
American English
- polygynously (extremely rare)
- The group lived polygynously.
adjective
British English
- polygynous
- a polygynous arrangement
- polygynous societies
American English
- polygynous
- a polygynous marriage system
- polygynous species
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and biology. E.g., 'The paper examines the economic correlates of polygyny in pastoralist societies.'
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in discussions of history, religion, or nature documentaries.
Technical
Precise term in the listed academic fields and in zoology/ecology (e.g., 'resource defence polygyny').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polygyny”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˌpɒliˈdʒaɪni/ (like 'poly' + 'guy').
- Confusing it with 'polygamy' or 'polyandry'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He polygynies'). It is a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Polygamy is the general term for having multiple spouses. Polygyny is a specific type of polygamy where one man has multiple wives. Polygamy also includes polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands).
It is legally recognised in some countries, often based on religious or customary law (e.g., parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia). It is illegal in most Western nations.
Yes, in biology (ethology/ecology), it describes a mating system where one male mates with multiple females during a breeding season (e.g., lions, deer).
The correct adjective is 'polygynous'. For example, 'a polygynous marriage' or 'polygynous species'.
The practice or condition of having more than one wife or female mate at one time.
Polygyny is usually formal, academic in register.
Polygyny: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪdʒɪni/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈlɪdʒəni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: POLYGamY (many marriages) -> POLYGYNY has a 'GYN' like 'gynaecology' (relating to women) -> marriage to many women.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS A POSSESSION/UNION. (Implies a central male figure with multiple female partners.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the specific term for a marriage system involving one woman and multiple husbands?