# matriarch

/ˈmeɪtɹiˌɑɹk/ (US) · /mˈætɹɪˌɑːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/matriarch
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. head of a family or tribe

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a woman who is the head of a family or a social group.

For teachers: a female leader of a family, tribe, or ethnic group, often exercising significant authority over its members.

- The family matriarch gathered all her children and grandchildren for her eightieth birthday.
- As the undisputed matriarch of the clan, her approval was required for any major decision regarding the family estate.

Usage: Often used to describe a woman who rules a large, multi-generational family.

### 2. powerful female leader

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a woman who starts or leads an important organization or movement.

For teachers: a female founder or dominant leader of a political, religious, or professional organization.

- She was considered the matriarch of the local environmental movement.
- The company's matriarch retired after forty years, leaving behind a corporate culture defined by her personal values.

Teaching tip: While the primary sense is familial, this sense is common in journalism to describe influential women in business or politics.

## Examples

- The matriarch of the family lived in the same house for fifty years.
- In many traditional societies, the matriarch holds the final authority over major family decisions and property distribution.
- The documentary explores how the matriarch of the elephant herd leads the group to water sources, ensuring the survival of the younger calves during the dry season.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.