dynasty
Americannoun
-
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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
See Examples For:
If its reigning dynasty is wrecked by loose bodies or a needle stuck in a left knee.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
Ying pleaded guilty to a single count of stealing a 17th century manuscript dating from China’s Qing dynasty.
From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026
But if this really is a “natural direction” for the beloved gaming dynasty, the fans certainly aren’t taking it as such.
From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026
The classic tale of someone who acted after an everyday encounter comes from Joe Kennedy, patriarch of the political dynasty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026
The new, Teotihuacan-backed dynasty at Mutal drove the city to further heights of power and prestige.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
So did Phil Jackson, the coaching icon who oversaw dynasties in Chicago and Los Angeles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
The historic site is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices and pray for bountiful harvests.
From BBC ● May 14, 2026
He added: "The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders' defining dynasties, and we can't wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…".
From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026
Long overshadowed by his parents and heir to one of Bangladesh's most powerful political dynasties, Tarique Rahman has finally stepped into the spotlight.
From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 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
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.
