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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before he arrived at Arizona in 2021, Lloyd worked as an assistant at Gonzaga, where his duties included recruiting the big men that powered the Bulldogs’ mid-major dynasty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Amazingly, the Mets did win, but characteristically, they failed to found a dynasty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

He will then visit the princely palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 13th century, for a private meeting with Prince Albert.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

He was the first ruler of the unified realm and launched the Targaryen dynasty.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

That shelf would have the tea glass and the tray with paper clips and rubber bands, because literature has not been the focus of this dynasty.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri