dynasty

American  

[dahy-nuh-stee, din-uh-stee] / ˈdaɪ nə sti, ˈdɪn ə sti /

noun

dynasties plural

1. a sequence of rulers from the same family, stock, or group.

   the Ming dynasty.

2. the rule of such a sequence.

3. a series of members of a family who are distinguished for their success, wealth, etc.

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dynasty British  

/ dɪˈnæstɪk, ˈdɪnəstɪ /

noun

1. a sequence of hereditary rulers

   an Egyptian dynasty

2. any sequence of powerful leaders of the same family

   the Kennedy dynasty

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antidynasty
  adjective
• dynastic
  adjective
• dynastical
  adjective
• dynastically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• dynasties
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dynasty

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin dynastīa, from Greek dynasteia; see dynast, -y ³

Explanation

A dynasty is a series of leaders in the same family, like the British Royal Family, or a local business dynasty, in which four generations have made their fortune at the family store. The word dynasty, pronounced "DIE-nas-tee," comes from the Greek word dynasteia, meaning "power, lordship, sovereignty." If you are part of a dynasty, you probably do have power — and also wealth, privilege. But there is also pressure to achieve as much as your parents, grandparents, and other relatives. Another kind of dynasty is found in sports — a team that wins many championships is a dynasty.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dynasty dynasties

Ying pleaded guilty to a single count of stealing a 17th century manuscript dating from China’s Qing dynasty.

From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026

But if this really is a “natural direction” for the beloved gaming dynasty, the fans certainly aren’t taking it as such.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

During the Lakers’ dynasty we had championship teams.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 4, 2026

Bill Pulte, part of a powerful home-building dynasty and a private equity financier, has no known background in intelligence, and his selection to temporarily fill the position is stirring controversy among lawmakers and others.

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2026

The incomparably ancient kingdom of the pharaohs offered the Macedonian Greeks significant liabilities as well as important assets in their attempt to establish a new ruling dynasty in Egypt.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

The historic site is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices and pray for bountiful harvests.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

The MLB playoffs are notoriously fickle and subject to randomness that prevents dynasties.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

As part of dynasties at Manchester City and Liverpool, he won three Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and one League Cup, as well as other honours.

From BBC ● Mar. 21, 2026

Long overshadowed by his parents and heir to one of Bangladesh's most powerful political dynasties, the country's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has finally stepped into the spotlight.

From Barron's ● Feb. 17, 2026

All three of China’s first three dynasties, the Xia and Shang and Zhou Dynasties, arose in North China in the second millennium B.C.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule