polygamous

American  

[puh-lig-uh-muhs] / pəˈlɪg ə məs /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or practicing polygamy; polygamic.

2. Botany. bearing both unisexual and hermaphrodite flowers on the same or on different plants of the same species.

---

Other Word Forms

• polygamously adverb

Etymology

Origin of polygamous

From the Greek word polýgamos, dating back to 1605–15. See poly-, -gamous

Compare meaning

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

• polyamorous vs. polygamous

Example Sentences

The new study supports this assumption: In polygamous mammals with strong competition, males generally die earlier than females.

From Science Daily

Robyn, who was the last wife to join the previously polygamous group and is Kody’s legal wife, said her husband looked “really shocked” when he came into the room where she was working.

From Los Angeles Times

The polygamous bridal party was among 55 marriages that took place there on Easter Sunday - a loud, long and joyous occasion.

From BBC

She grew up in a polygamous family, with her mother being the youngest of three wives.

From BBC

Critics accuse King Mswati, who rules by decree and has been on the throne for 38 years, of living in luxury with his polygamous household - while most of his people languish in poverty.

From BBC