What does polygynous mean?
Polygynous is an adjective describing a system in which one male mates with multiple females. In biology, it is used for animal species and mating patterns, particularly when females compete for access to a dominant or territory-holding male. In anthropology, it can describe a social or marriage arrangement in which one man has more than one wife. The term is more precise than the broader word polygamous because it identifies the gender pattern involved. It should not be confused with polyandrous, which describes the reverse arrangement: one female with multiple male mates. Polygyny is especially associated with certain birds and mammals, but its occurrence and significance vary widely among species and societies. The word is formal and technical, appearing chiefly in scientific, historical, and cultural writing rather than everyday conversation.
adjectiveHaving one male animal mate with multiple females. In anthropology, the term describes a social or marital system in which one man may have more than one wife.
- Relating to or characterized by one male having multiple female mates.
"The ornithologist studied the polygynous mating system of the birds in the region."
"The study compared the polygynous behavior of several species of grouse."
"In some polygynous societies, status has traditionally been associated with having more than one wife."
Polygyny is the animal kingdom's counterpart to a one-to-many relationship: one male, multiple female partners.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polygynous come from?
Polygynous comes from polygyny, which combines the Greek prefix poly-, meaning many, with gyne, meaning woman or female. The suffix -ous was added to form the adjective. The related noun polygynist denotes a man who practices or advocates polygyny, while polyandry names the corresponding system involving one woman and multiple men.
Related word forms
How polygynous is actually used
The word is most common in biology and anthropology. It is more precise than polygamous when the relevant distinction is between one male with multiple female partners and one female with multiple male partners.
Easily confused with polygynous
Polygamy is the practice or state of having multiple spouses or mates, whereas polygyny specifically describes one male mating with multiple females.
Polygyny involves one male with multiple females, while polyandry involves one female with multiple males.