matriarch

American  

[mey-tree-ahrk] / ˈmeɪ triˌɑrk /

noun

1. the female head of a family or tribal line.

2. a woman who is the founder or dominant member of a community or group.

3. a venerable old woman.

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matriarch British  

/ ˈmeɪtrɪˌɑːk /

noun

1. a woman who dominates an organization, community, etc

2. the female head of a tribe or family, esp in a matriarchy

3. a very old or venerable woman

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Other Word Forms

• matriarchal adjective
• matriarchalism noun
• matriarchic adjective

Etymology

Origin of matriarch

First recorded in 1600–10; matri- + -arch

Example Sentences

Rampling crackles as a matriarch who can sniff out her kids’ lies and insecurities but has the good manners not to say anything.

From Los Angeles Times

Our services are heavy on the patriarchs—and, for some, the matriarchs too.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pfeiffer’s Texan matriarch is a delight to watch as she flits about her house, decking the halls with warm, multicolored lights and seasonal throw pillows.

From Salon

The writer lived and worked in her childhood home in Jackson, Miss.—tending to her camellias, doting on her nieces and quietly presiding for many years as the matriarch of Southern letters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Roberts, meanwhile, was the show’s matriarch on- and off-screen, known for making pots of soup in her dressing room and looking out for the cast.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• matron