dynasty

American  

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

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.

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of dynasty

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

Example Sentences

Many students can be heard chanting these slogans in support of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late Shah, and the Pahlavi dynasty that was overthrown in 1979.

From BBC

“Broken bat, ground ball. Betts has it, steps on the bag, the throw to first — double play! From backs against the wall to back-to-back, the Dodgers cement their dynasty!”

From Los Angeles Times

A one-time ally of the Marcos family, the dynasties have grown apart.

From Barron's

There is a new dynasty in City Section girls water polo and it may continue for years to come.

From Los Angeles Times

The ultrarich can use structures such as dynasty trusts to shield their assets from estate taxes for generations, while the step-up provision adjusts the cost basis of an inherited asset to its fair market value.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule