Polygamy

/pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/ · noun

Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time.
2. (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”).
3. (zoology) The state or habit of having more than one sexual mate.
4. (botany) The condition or state of a plant which bears both perfect and unisexual flowers.

Example Sentences

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

Miss Griffin was a model of propriety, and I am at a loss to imagine what the feelings of the virtuous woman would have been, if she had known, when she paraded us down the Hampstead Road two and two, that she was walking with a stately step at the head of Polygamy and Mahomedanism.

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

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

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.

Synonyms for polygamy

Antonyms for polygamy

Related Words

Word Forms

• polygamies

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions