exogamy

[ ek-sog-uh-mee ]

noun

1. marriage outside a specific tribe or similar social unit. Compare endogamy.
2. Biology. the union of gametes of unrelated parents.

exogamy

/ ˌɛksəʊˈɡæmɪk; ɛkˈsɒɡəmɪ; ɛkˈsɒɡəməs /

noun

1. sociol anthropol the custom or an act of marrying a person belonging to another tribe, clan, or similar social unit Compare endogamy
2. biology fusion of gametes from parents that are not closely related

Derived Forms

• exogamous, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·og·a·mous [ek-, sog, -, uh, -m, uh, s], ex·o·gam·ic [ek-s, uh, -, gam, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exogamy¹

First recorded in 1860–65; exo- + -gamy

Example Sentences

Communities were locally centred around a main patriline, were related to each other through the systematic practice of female exogamy.

From Science Daily

For a religion that does not accept converts and strongly discourages exogamy, the assimilation of Yazidi youth in Europe threatens the faith’s continued existence.

From The Guardian

Yet each family knew to what gens it belonged, observed its rites, and obeyed strictly the rule of exogamy.

From Project Gutenberg

The village as such possesses no permanent gennas, but the clans, as the units of marriage under the law of exogamy, have distinct elementary gennas, especially the clan to which the priest-chief belongs.

From Project Gutenberg

It may wander wherever merchants wander, wherever captives are dragged, wherever slaves are sold, wherever the custom of exogamy commands the choice of alien wives.

From Project Gutenberg