matriarchal

Sometimes ma·tri·ar·chic

[mey-tree-ahr-kuhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to a matriarch, the female head of a family, tribe, community, etc..

   her matriarchal qualities of love and compassion.

2. characteristic of an entity, family, etc., controlled by women.

   matriarchal cultures in India.

Word History and Origins

Origin of matriarchal¹

First recorded in 1840–45; matriarch ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

In many ways, “All’s Fair” is an American version of the excellent British series “The Split,” which follows a matriarchal family of female divorce lawyers.

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As in “Blue Bloods,” there is family to spare, though the patriarchal thrust of the parent series here becomes matriarchal.

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Byrne’s searing portrayal of matriarchal duty at all costs is abrasive and uncomfortable.

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“My own family is multi-ethnic, matriarchal, and feminist, with a significant history of immigration,” wrote Polidoro, who in her Instagram bio mentions being a Golden Globes voter and awards season analyst.

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The British Zambian writer-director’s new story, however, is more psychologically concentrated on individual pain and cultural power, specifically the damage that sin and silence wreak in matriarchal societies that internalize patriarchy.

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Related Words

• esteemed 
• grand 
• revered 
• stately 
• venerated www.thesaurus.com