dynastic

American  

[dahy-nas-tik, dih-nas-tik] / daɪˈnæs tɪk, dɪˈnæs tɪk /

British also dynastical

adjective

1. of or relating to a dynasty, a sequence of rulers or other powerful or wealthy people, usually from the same family.

   Democracy, by definition, can't prohibit dynastic or corrupt rulers but it offers ways to correct or alter the situation.

   Artifacts found in the Royal Nubian burials at Qustul bear the oldest-known examples of Egyptian dynastic symbols, such as the white crown of Egypt and the falcon.

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Other Word Forms

• antidynastic
  adjective
• antidynastical
  adjective
• antidynastically
  adverb
• dynastically
  adverb
• nondynastic
  adjective
• nondynastical
  adjective
• nondynastically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dynastic

First recorded in 1620–30, for an earlier sense; dynast(y) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Explanation

If something is dynastic, it has to do with rulers or leaders who inherit their position of power. A dynastic business is run by successive generations of the same family. If a country is ruled by a queen whose son will become king after she dies, that country is a dynastic monarchy. And if you know you'll become CEO of your family's trucking company, just like your father and grandmother before you, you can describe your position as dynastic. This word can be defined as "relating to a dynasty," and dynasty goes back to the Greek dynastes, "ruler," and dynasthai, "to have power."

Example Sentences

Unlike most prominent women in Indian politics, Mamata emerged without dynastic backing or a powerful mentor.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Built in 1395, the former royal palace is often seen as a symbol of Korean resilience through dynastic collapse, colonial rule and pro-democracy protests.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

He did so to avoid antagonizing parts of the political and religious establishment that categorically reject hereditary or dynastic succession.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

The front-runner, 60-year-old BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, represents the dynastic politics that many educated Bangladeshis abhor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Too numerous, in a way: archaeologists have turned up at least eleven versions of Kaan’s early dynastic history painted on big vases.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann