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

The Gamecocks’ Dawn Staley is a three-time national champion and the biggest threat to the UConn dynasty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Parts of what is now Iran’s coastline was controlled in the 1800s by a dynasty based in the present-day U.A.E.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The park forms part of an estate owned for more than 700 years by the Hulton dynasty.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

However the bespectacled 44-year-old senator, who is pitching himself as a more measured member of the far-right dynasty, has surprised many with a surge in opinion polls ahead of October elections.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Here was a place in which to plant his dynasty.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule