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  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of dynasty

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

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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

During the 19th century Opium Wars that sped the collapse of China’s last imperial dynasty, Western attackers came from the sea, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

President Jimmy Carter declined to play host to the last member of a family dynasty that had ruled Nicaragua for 40 years.

From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2026

As the Dodgers shifted into what will be an uncertain offseason due to an impending lockout, Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes reflected on whether the dynasty has ended.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026

China is its neighbour's largest trading partner and a vital diplomatic and political backer, although relations have not always been smooth with the ruling Kim dynasty.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026

The case Madison had tried to make for the Potomac was simultaneously crafty and driven by romantic illusions about its prowess that were shared by Jefferson, Washington, and most members of the Virginia dynasty.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Successive dynasties employed specialists to monitor celestial events because unusual phenomena in the sky were often interpreted as omens.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

The records maintained across successive dynasties eventually became some of the world's most valuable historical sources for studying ancient eclipses.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

The effort has drawn billionaires and Trump-linked power-brokers, the scions of Cuban-American dynasties built on sugar, and immigrants who amassed fortunes over decades in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 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

But the last emperors of dynasties must not have been facing in the right direction, for they would have seen us and not let us get this hungry.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

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Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule

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