polyamorous

American  

[pol-ee-am-er-uhs] / ˌpɒl iˈæm ər əs /

adjective

1. noting or relating to polyamory, the practice or condition of participating simultaneously in more than one serious romantic or sexual relationship with the knowledge and consent of all partners.

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Etymology

Origin of polyamorous

First recorded in 1990–95; poly- ( def. ) + amorous ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does polyamorous compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• polyamorous vs. polygamous
• polyamorous vs. monogamous

Example Sentences

Being polyamorous has been freeing for Gabriel Strange-Wood, 53, and his partner Christina Lydia Strange-Wood, 47, they say.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

As in the continued push by the nation’s most powerful, polyamorous sports concern to share its games among a remote control-melting parade of broadcast channels, cable networks, and streamers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“My mom is bi, my dad was gay, my sister was in a polyamorous relationship and that was my growing up experience,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2024

Some polyamorous or open relationships are deeply dysfunctional.

From Slate • May 5, 2024

Five years before his first encounter with Martha, Donny meets Darrien, a "Buddhist, polyamorous pansexual," at the Edinburgh Fringe comedy festival.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2024