patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy
a patriarchal culture
a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In William Friedkin’s 1972 original, science and modern medicine are completely powerless to dent the demon who has possessed the innocent victim, leaving it up to the patriarchal Catholic Church to take on Pazuzu (and forge its own Reaganomics). David Colman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024 Now, Swift hopes to inspire women to fight their wealth in a patriarchal world. Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024 As something of an outsider, Shula (who lives in another country and has only just returned to Zambia) participates in the family’s traditions while keenly discerning their enforcement of patriarchal power, which includes codes of silence. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2024 Premiering a year before Broad City on Comedy Central was Inside Amy Schumer, a sketch show that skewered patriarchal expectations. Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patriarchal 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near patriarchal

Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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