patriarchy

American  

[pey-tree-ahr-kee] / ˈpeɪ triˌɑr ki /

noun

plural

patriarchies

1. a form of social organization in which the father is the supreme authority in the family, clan, or tribe and descent is reckoned in the male line, with the children belonging to the father's clan or tribe.

2. a society, community, or country based on this social organization.

3. a social system in which power is held by men, through cultural norms and customs that favor men and withhold opportunity from women.

   The corporate glass ceiling is one consequence of patriarchy in education and business.

4. Often the Patriarchy the men in power in a society.

   The Patriarchy is vested in maintenance of the status quo.

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patriarchy British  

/ ˈpeɪtrɪˌɑːkɪ /

noun

1. a form of social organization in which a male is the head of the family and descent, kinship, and title are traced through the male line

2. any society governed by such a system

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patriarchy Cultural  

1. A family or society in which authority is vested in males, through whom descent and inheritance are traced. (See also matriarchy and primogeniture.)

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Other Word Forms

• antipatriarchy
  noun

Etymology

Origin of patriarchy

First recorded in 1555–65; ultimately from Greek patriarchía, derivation of patriárchēs and -ía noun suffix; see origin at patriarch ( def. ), -y ³ ( def. )

Explanation

A patriarchy is a social system or organization run by men. If Dad always gets the last word in your house, then you're living under a patriarchy! A patriarchy is a social or political system with one or several men in charge. It may refer to society at large or to one segment, such as the Catholic Church, with the Archbishop and Pope in positions of power. The word can also describe family systems, especially when relationships and property are determined by males. In modern times patriarchy is often considered to be oppressive to women; if you’re a feminist, then you’re definitely not a fan of patriarchy.

Example Sentences

Italy's problems on that front are currently on display at the Museum of the Patriarchy, a thought-provoking new exhibition in Rome.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Patriarchy is not dying — it’s already dead, but some of us haven’t figured that out yet.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2024

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem condemned the attack and said it would “not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty” to provide assistance.

From Washington Times • Oct. 20, 2023

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchy of Jerusalem issued a statement condemning the attack and said it would “not abandon its religious and humanitarian duty” to provide assistance.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

Patriarchy succeeded matriarchy, but whether as a gradual evolution or otherwise is not clear.

From The Sex Worship and Symbolism of Primitive Races An Interpretation by Brown, Sanger