dynasty
Americannoun
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a sequence of rulers from the same family, stock, or group.
the Ming dynasty.
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the rule of such a sequence.
-
a series of members of a family who are distinguished for their success, wealth, etc.
noun
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a sequence of hereditary rulers
an Egyptian dynasty
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any sequence of powerful leaders of the same family
the Kennedy dynasty
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing dynasty
Persepolis
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Ancient Egypt - Introductory
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East Asia - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the oldest living member of the Kennedy dynasty, has already secured an offer for her quaint Cape Cod home—just days after listing the property for $1.59 million.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
It has long been an important source of legitimacy for the Al Saud dynasty, whose monarch has the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques", in Mecca and Medina.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
The Caballero circus dynasty dates back to the turn of the 20th century in Guadalajara, with Adelaida Caballero was the first in the family to practice the joyous spectacle.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Across eight generations, the Rothschild dynasty has survived wars, financial crises and persecution.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
The incomparably ancient kingdom of the pharaohs offered the Macedonian Greeks significant liabilities as well as important assets in their attempt to establish a new ruling dynasty in Egypt.
From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
