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.

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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

She admitted it took a while for her to warm to the idea of joining a polygamous union, though Shirley's receptive attitude made it easier for her.

From BBC

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

From BBC

There is a lot of back and forth about the polygamous history of Mormonism and, increasingly, the perils of believing in one religion over another when they share similar mythologies.

From Los Angeles Times