dynasty

[ dahy-nuh-stee; British also din-uh-stee ]

noun

, plural dy·nas·ties.

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.

dynasty

/ 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

Derived Forms

• dynastic, adjective
• dyˈnastically, adverb

Other Words From

• dy·nas·tic [dahy-, nas, -tik, dih-, nas, -tik], dy·nas·ti·cal adjective
• an·ti·dy·nas·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynasty¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynasty¹

C15: via Late Latin from Greek dunasteia, from dunastēs dynast

Example Sentences

A new dynasty could be in the making in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Chinese emperors once came to this Ming dynasty holy site to pray for a good harvest.

From BBC

It is being seen as an attempt to end the family succession phenomenon engineered by the Bongo family, which maintained a 55-year dynasty.

From BBC

The collection also includes a chicken cup used to serve wine for the Chenghua emperor and Ru wares made for the Northern Song dynasty court around 1086.

From BBC

Is it beginning of the end for Guardiola's Man City dynasty?

From BBC

Related Words

• regime
• reign
• rule