dynasty

[dahy-nuh-stee, din-uh-stee]

noun

plural

dynasties 

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.

dynasty

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynasty¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynasty¹

C15: via Late Latin from Greek dunasteia, from dunastēs _dynast

Example Sentences

Friday's celebrations mark the 114th anniversary of the toppling of China's Qing dynasty and the subsequent founding of the Republic of China.

Read more on Barron's

The Aces, up 2-0 heading into Wednesday’s Game 3, are going for their third title in four seasons, real dynasty material.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When the Song dynasty took over China in the late 10th century, the feudal system that gave aristocrats control of land and peasants in return for military service was breaking down.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He is part of a political dynasty from southeastern Los Angeles County that’s held power in Sacramento for decades.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, Knight is betting on another dynasty, one rooted in brewing, wealth and legacy.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• regime 
• reign 
• rule