matriarch

[ mey-tree-ahrk ]

noun

1. the female head of a family or tribal line.
2. a woman who is the founder or dominant member of a community or group.
3. a venerable old woman.

matriarch

/ ˈmeɪtrɪˌɑːk /

noun

1. a woman who dominates an organization, community, etc
2. the female head of a tribe or family, esp in a matriarchy
3. a very old or venerable woman

Derived Forms

• ˈmatriˌarchal, adjective
• ˌmatriˈarchalism, noun

Other Words From

• matri·archal matri·archic adjective
• matri·archal·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of matriarch¹

First recorded in 1600–10; matri- + -arch

Word History and Origins

Origin of matriarch¹

C17: from matri- + -arch , by false analogy with patriarch

Example Sentences

The buttoned-up, pantsuit-wearing former oncologist is not a repeat of the eager “Goldbergs” matriarch, but the character maintains the actor’s knack for playing beleaguered exhaustion for comedic effect.

From Los Angeles Times

But it wasn’t until 2013, after her Oscar-nominated performance as a blunt-talking matriarch in Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska,” that Hollywood recognized her as a powerhouse.

From Los Angeles Times

June Spencer, who played matriarch Peggy Woolley in BBC Radio 4's long-running drama The Archers from 1951 until her retirement in 2022, has died at the age of 105.

From BBC

"June Spencer wasn’t just a brilliant Peggy Woolley, the ultimate matriarch of Ambridge, but a brilliant actress," he said.

From BBC

The result is an oversized denim work jacket fastened by frog buttons; long denim aprons, inspired by matriarch “Popo” Wendy Leon’s years in formal catering, also use denim and frog buttons.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• matron