serial monogamy

American  

noun

1. a form of monogamy characterized by several successive, short-term marriages over the course of a lifetime.

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serial monogamy British  

noun

1. the practice of having a number of long-term romantic or sexual partners in succession

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Etymology

Origin of serial monogamy

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

"Humans have a range of partnerships that create conditions for a mix of full and half-siblings with strong parental investment, from serial monogamy to stable polygamy."

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

That first relationship established a pattern of serial monogamy, where if someone touched my shoulder I’d fall in love with them for three years until they dumped me.

From The Guardian • May 19, 2019

Polyamory is complex enough and time-consuming enough that it will likely never overshadow serial monogamy, Sheff said.

From Scientific American • Feb. 14, 2013

The Burtons thus became one of the 10,000 or so non-Mexican couples who each year consummate a Mexican divorce in the not-quite-polygamous marriage ritual that has been called "serial monogamy."

From Time Magazine Archive

His jokes about his serial monogamy endeared him to viewers, but you don't rack up three divorces by being a harmless sweetie.

From Time Magazine Archive