dynasty
Americannoun
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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
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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.
“They believe that they were the Middle Kingdom,” he says, invoking the Qing Dynasty.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
I am walking through Dynasty Center, warmed by the morning sun.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026
The country's main television channel has this week broadcast songs with sombre melodies and published a photo of Rakhmon on a black background with the quote, "the man of the Sun Dynasty."
From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026
"It was a stunning rebuke by the NFL," said Wickersham, author of New York Times bestseller It's Better to be Feared: The New England Patriots Dynasty and the Pursuit of Greatness.
From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026
Up to this time, the oldest reliable dates went back no further than the First Dynasty in Egypt from about 3000 B.C.
From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson
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.
