Meaning & Definition of word "Polyandry"

Polyandry

/ˈpɒliˌændri/

noun:

  • 1. the practice or condition of being married to more than one husband at the same time.
    • Example: In certain cultures, polyandry is practiced as a means to limit population growth.
  • 2. a form of marriage in which a woman has multiple husbands.
    • Example: The Bhutanese society is known for its unique form of polyandry where brothers share a wife.
  • 3. a social and familial structure characterized by a woman engaging in concurrent marriages with more than one man.
    • Example: In some Himalayan societies, polyandry helps keep family farms intact through shared labor.

Etymology

From Greek 'poly-' meaning 'many' and 'anēr' meaning 'man'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

polyandrous relationship:

A relationship where one woman has multiple husbands.

polyandry in culture:

The role and acceptance of polyandry within specific societies.

practicing polyandry:

The act of engaging in polyandry.

Related Words

polygamy:

The practice of marrying multiple spouses, which includes both polyandry and polygyny.

monogamy:

The practice of being married to one person at a time.

Slang Meanings of polyandry

Meaning: Sharing partners among friends.

Example Sentence: They've got a polyandry setup going on.

Meaning: A modern twist on relationship dynamics.

Example Sentence: She's living in a polyandry kind of way, juggling multiple partners.