matriarchal
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to a matriarch, the female head of a family, tribe, community, etc..
her matriarchal qualities of love and compassion.
-
characteristic of an entity, family, etc., controlled by women.
matriarchal cultures in India.
Etymology
Origin of matriarchal
First recorded in 1840–45; matriarch ( def. ) + -al 1 ( def. )
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.
The stoicism of her Seri project is contrasted by the more lighthearted photos she took of people in Juchitán, highlighting the matriarchal culture there.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
“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.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2025
Fernanda Torres’ stunning performance holds the film together with matriarchal love, but it’s the film’s two codas that have left it lingering in my mind for months.
From Salon • Feb. 28, 2025
Thy live in matriarchal groups of about 10 and sometimes meet up with hundreds or thousands of other whales.
From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024
The Jewish home blended two ideals, patriarchal and matriarchal.
From Child Versus Parent Some Chapters on the Irrepressible Conflict in the Home by Wise, Stephen
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.
