dynasty

American  

[dahy-nuh-stee, din-uh-stee] / ˈdaɪ nə sti, ˈdɪn ə sti /

noun

plural

dynasties

1. a sequence of rulers from the same family, stock, or group.

   the Ming dynasty.

2. the rule of such a sequence.

3. a series of members of a family who are distinguished for their success, wealth, etc.

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dynasty British  

/ dɪˈnæstɪk, ˈdɪnəstɪ /

noun

1. a sequence of hereditary rulers

   an Egyptian dynasty

2. any sequence of powerful leaders of the same family

   the Kennedy dynasty

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Other Word Forms

• antidynasty adjective
• dynastic adjective
• dynastical adjective
• dynastically adverb

Etymology

Origin of dynasty

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin dynastīa, from Greek dynasteia; dynast, -y ³

Example Sentences

De Rothschild confided to Epstein about problems in her marriage and the family dynasty, and frequently shared what appeared to be confidential information about her bank’s financial performance and strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Now he’s turned Duke into a leveled-up version of the old dynasty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

However the bespectacled 44-year-old senator, who is pitching himself as a more measured member of the far-right dynasty, has surprised many with a surge in opinion polls ahead of October elections.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

"We cannot think of North Korea with our logic. We must imagine them as the Joseon dynasty," Song says, referring to a medieval Korean kingdom.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Everyone knew them; they were a dynasty in Shaker Heights, a huge and boisterous and exceedingly handsome clan that always seemed to be suntanned and windswept, like the Kennedys.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule