polygamy

[ puh-lig-uh-mee ]

noun

1. the practice or condition of having more than one spouse, especially wife, at one time. Compare bigamy ( def 1 ), monogamy ( def 1 ).
2. Zoology. the habit or system of mating with more than one individual, either simultaneously or successively.

polygamy

/ pəˈlɪɡəmɪ /

noun

1. the practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time Compare polyandry polygyny
2. 1. the condition of having male, female, and hermaphrodite flowers on the same plant
   2. the condition of having these different types of flower on separate plants of the same species
3. the practice in male animals of having more than one mate during one breeding season

polygamy

1. The practice of having several wives or husbands at the same time. ( Compare monogamy .)

Derived Forms

• poˈlygamist, noun
• poˈlygamous, adjective
• poˈlygamously, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygamy¹

From the Greek word polygamía, dating back to 1585–95. See poly-, -gamy

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygamy¹

C16: via French from Greek polugamia from poly- + -gamy

Example Sentences

The DNA also revealed polygamy and “levirate unions,” in which closely related males—brothers, or a father and son—had children with the same woman.

From Science Magazine

He and his followers practice polygamy, a legacy of the early teachings of the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which abandoned the practice in 1890 and now strictly prohibits it.

From Seattle Times

Popular accounts, often Senegalese posting from abroad where there is more freedom to speak out, debate taboo topics like sex before marriage and whether polygamy is fair.

From Seattle Times

He and his followers practice polygamy, a legacy of the early teachings of the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which abandoned the practice in 1890 and now strictly prohibits it.

From Seattle Times

The new law bans polygamy and sets a uniform age for marriage for men and women — 21 and 18, respectively — across all religions and also includes a uniform process for divorce.

From Seattle Times