polygamous

[ puh-lig-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or practicing polygamy; polygamic.
2. Botany. bearing both unisexual and hermaphrodite flowers on the same or on different plants of the same species.

Other Words From

• po·lyga·mous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygamous¹

From the Greek word polýgamos, dating back to 1605–15. See poly-, -gamous

Example Sentences

There is a lot of back and forth about the polygamous history of Mormonism and, increasingly, the perils of believing in one religion over another when they share similar mythologies.

From Los Angeles Times

The 56-year-old monarch is currently in a polygamous arrangement with 11 wives - and has been married 15 times in total.

From BBC

Critics accuse King Mswati, who rules by decree and has been on the throne for 38 years, of living in luxury with his polygamous household - while most of his people languish in poverty.

From BBC

He grew up in what he said was a happy polygamous family and was one of his father’s 10 children.

From BBC

He was left with an aunt, who was one of five wives in a polygamous family that included about three dozen children.

From Los Angeles Times