pentarchy

noun

pen·​tar·​chy ˈpen-ˌtär-kē How to pronounce pentarchy (audio)
: a group of five countries or districts each under its own ruler or government

Word History

Etymology

Greek pentarchia, from penta- + -archia -archy

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pentarchy was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near pentarchy

Cite this Entry

“Pentarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pentarchy. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pentarchy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!