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

When the husband removes and lives in his wife's group the marriage is matrilocal; if the wife removes it is patrilocal.

From Project Gutenberg

I therefore propose to term the three types matrilocal, removal, and patrilocal marriages.

From Project Gutenberg

The extended family groupings in terms of matrilocal residence or centered around a sibling group are amorphous but flexible.

From Project Gutenberg

In such a case the marriage is called matrilocal; otherwise it is patrilocal.

From Project Gutenberg