dynasty
Americannoun
plural
dynasties-
a sequence of rulers from the same family, stock, or group.
the Ming dynasty.
-
the rule of such a sequence.
-
a series of members of a family who are distinguished for their success, wealth, etc.
noun
-
a sequence of hereditary rulers
an Egyptian dynasty
-
any sequence of powerful leaders of the same family
the Kennedy dynasty
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; 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.
Florence Pugh starred in the film as Paige, a goth outsider who is raised in a chaotic but loving British wrestling dynasty.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
“When the shoeshine boys have tips, the stock market is too popular for its own good,” said Kennedy, who sold short and made a fortune, giving rise to an American political dynasty.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
One thing the documentary avoids is the contentious relationship with Phil Jackson — who isn’t even mentioned — and the cause of West’s departure from the Lakers right after he built that dynasty.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
Mitchell wants to keep evolving his side's game and create a dynasty by winning back-to-back World Cups, but knows the winning run will come to an end eventually.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
The country officially switched to the Solar Hijri calendar in 1925, under the Pahlavi dynasty.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
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.
