What does polygamous mean?
Polygamous describes a person, relationship, society, or animal species that has more than one spouse or mating partner at the same time. In human contexts, the word commonly refers to marriage systems in which an individual has more than one spouse; in biology, it can describe a mating system involving multiple partners. The adjective is generally neutral but often appears in legal, historical, anthropological, or zoological discussion. More specific terms may be available: polygynous describes one male with multiple female partners, while polyandrous describes one female with multiple male partners. Polygamous is also frequently contrasted with monogamous, meaning paired with one partner. Knowing the adjective alongside its related noun, polygamy, helps distinguish a person or relationship described as polygamous from the broader practice or institution itself.
adjectiveHaving more than one spouse or mating partner at the same time. It can also describe a marriage, society, or animal mating system in which individuals have multiple spouses or partners.
- Having more than one spouse or mate at the same time.
- Of a marriage, society, or mating system: characterized by individuals having multiple spouses or partners.
"The researcher studied the polygamous communities of the inland region."
"By the end of the century, the polygamous household had become unusual in the region."
"Some polygamous fish establish a hierarchy of dominant and subordinate males."
Polygamous can describe both complex human marriage systems and the surprising mating habits of animals, from birds to fish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polygamous come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century, ultimately derived from Greek polýgamos, a combination of polýs, meaning many, and gamos, meaning marriage. Its English relatives—including monogamous, bigamous, endogamous, and exogamous—use the same Greek marriage root with different numerical or qualifying prefixes.
Related word forms
How polygamous is actually used
The term is formal, academic, legal, or anthropological in many contexts. In everyday discussion, it may carry legal or social connotations, so the more precise terms polygynous and polyandrous are often preferable when the sex of the person holding multiple partners is relevant.
Easily confused with polygamous
Polygamous is the adjective describing a person, relationship, or system, whereas polygamy is the noun for the practice or institution of having multiple spouses.
Polygyny specifically describes one male having multiple female partners, while polygamous is the broader term for multiple spouses or mating partners.
Bigamy refers specifically to being married to two people while still legally married to another, whereas polygamy is the broader practice of having more than one spouse.