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.
"Beluga males were indeed polygynous, but, surprisingly, only moderately so," said O'Corry-Crowe.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 4, 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
Three general mating systems, all involving innate as opposed to learned behaviors, are seen in animal populations: monogamous, polygynous, and polyandrous.
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
This is not saying that under certain circumstances, namely, the importation of large numbers of women, a higher per cent of polygynous families may not exist.
From Sociology and Modern Social Problems by Charles A. (Charles Abram) Ellwood
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