matrilineal

[ ma-truh-lin-ee-uhl, mey- ]

adjective

1. inheriting or determining descent through the female line.

matrilineal

/ ˌmeɪ-; ˌmætrɪˈlɪnɪəl /

adjective

1. relating to descent or kinship through the female line

matrilineal

1. Tracing kinship and descent through the female line. ( Compare patrilineal .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmatriˈlineally, adverb

Other Words From

• mat·ri·lin·e·al·ly mat·ri·lin·e·ar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrilineal¹

First recorded in 1900–05; matri- + lineal

Example Sentences

Females are in charge, and rank means everything—a matrilineal system that has fueled the spotted hyena’s rise as the most abundant large carnivore in Africa.

From National Geographic

He noted that sperm whales are a matrilineal society, with young males leaving and switching oceans at some point in their lives.

From Seattle Times

They include matrilineal systems in which the most significant male relative is the mother’s brother and communities where fatherhood is determined by the transfer of cattle to a woman’s family.

From Science Magazine

The scientists don’t yet know the sex of the new baby, but because sperm whale groups are matrilineal, Gero hopes for a girl.

From National Geographic

The northern and southern residents are both picky eaters — Chinook salmon, please! — and they have similar social structures, living in large matrilineal groups and sharing their food with their family.

From Seattle Times