polyandry

noun

poly·​an·​dry ˈpä-lē-ˌan-drē How to pronounce polyandry (audio)
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous adjective

Examples of polyandry 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.
Seeking Brother Husband's Kenya gets real with a virtual stranger about her domestic arrangement in this Sunday's episode of the TLC polyandry series. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2023 This equally applies to the practice of polyandry. Zamira Rahim, CNN, 28 June 2021 That is, some researchers have assumed that the prevalence of patrilocality and polygyny in relation to matrilocality and polyandry, combined with the structural fact that the X is disproportionately carried in females, can explain the differences in patterns of genetic variation. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2010 Even polyandry has been suggested. Mei Fong, The Atlantic, 11 July 2020 The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023 But there are many cultures where a husband can have more than one wife (polygyny) or, less commonly, a wife can have more than one husband (polyandry). Rob Knell, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2016

Word History

Etymology

Greek polýandros "having many husbands" (from poly- poly- + -andros, adjective derivative of andr-, anḗr "man, husband") + -y entry 2 — more at andro-

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyandry was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near polyandry

Cite this Entry

“Polyandry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyandry. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

polyandry

noun
poly·​an·​dry ˈpäl-ē-ˌan-drē How to pronounce polyandry (audio)
plural polyandries
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous adjective

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