polyandry

noun

poly·​an·​dry ˈpä-lē-ˌan-drē How to pronounce polyandry (audio)
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous adjective

Examples of polyandry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For generations, anthropologists have argued whether humans are evolved for monogamy or some other mating system, such as polygyny, polyandry or promiscuity. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Seeking Brother Husband's Kenya gets real with a virtual stranger about her domestic arrangement in this Sunday's episode of the TLC polyandry series. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2023 The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023 The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023 The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023 Among the four couples featured, each is at a different stage in their polyandry journey. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2023 The trailer sees the couple facing tough questions from their families over a meal after presumably sharing their interest in polyandry. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2023 The new show will also feature a couple who is just beginning to explore polyandry. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Greek polýandros "having many husbands" (from poly- poly- + -andros, adjective derivative of andr-, anḗr "man, husband") + -y entry 2 — more at andro-

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyandry was in 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polyandry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyandry. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

polyandry

noun
poly·​an·​dry ˈpäl-ē-ˌan-drē How to pronounce polyandry (audio)
plural polyandries
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous adjective

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