polygyny

[ puh-lij-uh-nee ]

noun

1. the practice or condition of having more than one wife at one time.
2. (among male animals) the habit or system of having two or more mates, either simultaneously or successively.
3. (among social insects) the condition of having two or more functioning queens in a colony.
4. Botany. the state or condition of having many pistils or styles.

polygyny

/ pəˈlɪdʒɪnɪ /

noun

1. See polygamy
   the practice or condition of being married to more than one wife at the same time Compare polygamy
2. the practice in animals of a male mating with more than one female during one breeding season
3. the condition in flowers of having many carpels

Derived Forms

• poˈlygynist, noun
• poˈlygynous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygyny¹

1770–80; < Greek polygýn ( aios ) having many wives ( poly-, gyn- ) + -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygyny¹

C18: from poly- + -gyny, from Greek gunē a woman

Example Sentences

It is everywhere set aside, to a greater or less extent, in favour of the two forms of polygamy—polygyny and polyandry.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the original form of polygamy was probably not polygyny—the only form, practically, that later occurs—but polyandry.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, this is what has almost universally happened wherever pure polygyny prevails.

From Project Gutenberg

In the northerly regions, where immigration and racial fusion have played a greater rle, both monogamy and polygyny may be found.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is true of America and of Africa, monogamy decidedly predominating in the former and polygyny in the latter.

From Project Gutenberg