patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy
a patriarchal culture
a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across his four-feature filmography, Eggers’s female characters can be selfish and inscrutable, but that is almost always in reaction to unsympathetic, patriarchal societies. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 Korea, like many countries, has a historically deeply patriarchal political structure and social structure. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024 This is a woman that’s obligated to override the limits of a patriarchal society—because even a progressive family was still patriarchal in Brazil in the ’70s. Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 These disasters and distractions are intentionally invented by white supremacist, patriarchal empires to work tangentially and symbiotically. Akilah Sailers, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patriarchal 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near patriarchal

Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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