Polygamy

Quick meaning: Polygamy is a noun meaning The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time.

Meaning

The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time.

More Meanings

1. (zoology) The state or habit of having more than one sexual mate.
2. (botany) The condition or state of a plant which bears both perfect and unisexual flowers.
3. (often, especially in common use) Synonym of polygyny (“marriage of a man to more than one wife, the practice of having several wives at the same time”).

Example Sentences

Are there countries where polygamy is legal for both men and women?

Because Mormon polygamy was an unusual family form in nineteenth-century America […]

Though Islam allows polygamy, it is frowned upon in many contemporary Muslim societies.

An insect queen actually practices polygamy only one day, while for an alpha-male defending his harem is the very essence of both his status and polygamy.

Word Forms

• polygamies

Synonyms for polygamy

Depending on context, synonyms include polygyny.

Antonyms for polygamy

Common opposites include agamy, monogamy.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include polygyny, polygamous, wife, sororal, polyamory, bigamy.

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