polygynous
Americanadjective
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of, pertaining to, characterized by, or practicing polygyny.
-
Botany. having many pistils or styles.
Etymology
Origin of polygynous
First recorded in 1840–50; polygyn(y) + -ous
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.
A similar shift appears in some wolf and fox species, which practice forms of social monogamy and cooperative care, even though their ancestral canids were likely group-living and polygynous.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 22, 2026
Darras notes that yellow crazy ants are polygynous, meaning they have multiple queens — in some cases their reproductive capabilities are essentially limitless.
From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2023
Harem mating structures are a type of polygynous system where certain males dominate mating while controlling a territory with resources.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
Competition for females is tough among these polygynous birds, and those who settle down in a single spot had little chance of copulation.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 9, 2017
The ancient Japanese society was polygynous; and polygyny persisted, after the establishment of the domestic cult.
From Japan: an Attempt at Interpretation by Lafcadio Hearn
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