What does "polygamy" mean?
The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time.
Polygamy
/pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time.
- Grammar: polygamy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: beena marriage, bigamy, common-law marriage, companionate marriage.
- Useful contrasts: exclusive marriage, monoandry, monogamous marriage.
- Usage evidence: We don't have polygamy in Japan, dear.
How to use "polygamy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "polygamy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "polygamy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "polygamy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "polygamy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "polygamy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "beena marriage" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "polygamy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The condition of having more than one spouse or marriage partner at one time. countable, uncountable
"Are there countries where polygamy is legal for both men and women?"
- 2 the condition or practice of having more than one spouse at a time wordnet
- 3 Synonym of polygyny (“marriage of a man to more than one wife, the practice of having several wives at the same time”). countable, especially, often, uncountable
"Though Islam allows polygamy, it is frowned upon in many contemporary Muslim societies."
- 4 The state or habit of having more than one sexual mate. countable, uncountable
"An insect queen actually practices polygamy only one day, while for an alpha-male defending his harem is the very essence of both his status and polygamy."
- 5 The condition or state of a plant which bears both perfect and unisexual flowers. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"We don't have polygamy in Japan, dear."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "polygamy"?
Common synonyms include: beena marriage, bigamy, common-law marriage, companionate marriage, concubinage, deuterogamy.
How do you use "polygamy" in a sentence?
We don't have polygamy in Japan, dear.
How do you pronounce "polygamy"?
Pronounced /pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/.
Etymology
Recorded since 1591, from Late Latin polygamia, from Ancient Greek πολυγαμία (polugamía), itself from πολύγαμος (polúgamos, “married to many”), from πολύς (polús, “many”) + γάμος (gámos, “marriage”). Relates to modern prefix and suffix poly- + -gamy.