matrilocal

[ ma-truh-loh-kuhl, mey- ]

adjective

, Anthropology.

1. of or relating to residence with the wife's family or tribe; uxorilocal:

   matrilocal customs.

matrilocal

/ ˈmætrɪˌləʊkəl; ˈmeɪ-; ˌmeɪ-; ˌmætrɪləʊˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. denoting, having, or relating to a marriage pattern in which the couple live with the wife's family

Derived Forms

• matrilocality, noun
• ˌmatriˈlocally, adverb

Other Words From

• matri·lo·cali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of matrilocal¹

First recorded in 1905–10; matri- + local

Example Sentences

The society has been and remains matriarchal and matrilocal, with husbands moving in with their wives’ families.

From Science Magazine

The pattern suggests societies were matrilocal, with women staying in their home groups and men leaving to form families in new lands, the team reports today in Science.

From Science Magazine

Pacific societies remained matrilocal into modern times.

From Science Magazine

This is especially true given that the Comoros have a matrilocal system of residence, rare in Islamic cultures, whereby the groom will move into the home of his bride, not the other way around.

From The Guardian

In contrast, matrilocal societies are more likely to be egalitarian.

From Scientific American