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

He’s had nothing to say about the blowup in the Buss family, L.A. royalty who built the Laker dynasty and are divided over whether to part with their minority stake.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

That selfless approach is what MLB’s premier organization and latest dynasty loves most about Muncy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

Rumoured to be descended from Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, Zhu was born in the central city of Changsha in 1928 into a China riven by civil war.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

After an unexpected coup three years ago in neighbouring Gabon, which toppled the Bongo dynasty sending shockwaves across the continent, Cameroon immediately reshuffled its military leadership.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

Everyone knew them; they were a dynasty in Shaker Heights, a huge and boisterous and exceedingly handsome clan that always seemed to be suntanned and windswept, like the Kennedys.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

The days of the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls lording over the league with decade-long dynasties are done.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

But once Lurie won, he had little trouble attracting financial support from dynasties his family has known for decades.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 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

He added: "The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders' defining dynasties, and we can't wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…".

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026

The history of Egypt is divided into dynasties of rulers, in accordance with ancient Egyptian practice, beginning with the First Dynasty shortly after 3000 B.C.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule