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

Second thought: Make sure Kit, beloved grandmother to my children and matriarch of my wife’s family, had fled.

From Los Angeles Times

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

“They are not the typical tiger moms or strict matriarchs, like in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ or ‘The Joy Luck Club.’

From Los Angeles Times

For nearly 70 years, she played Peggy Woolley in the long-running radio drama: one of the best-loved matriarchs in British broadcasting.

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