# patriarchy

/ˈpeɪtɹiˌɑɹki/ (US) · /pˈætɹɪˌɑːki/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. male-dominated society

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a society or system where men hold most of the power and influence.

For teachers: a social system or power structure in which men are dominant and hold primary positions of authority.

- Many historians study how patriarchy has influenced laws and property rights over centuries.
- The book examines the ways in which patriarchy persists in modern corporate structures despite legal advances in gender equality.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the general social concept.

### 2. male-led family system

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

a family system where the father or oldest male is the head of the household.

For teachers: a social system in which the father is the head of the family and lineage is traced through the male line.

- In a traditional patriarchy, the father makes all the major decisions for the family.
- Anthropologists distinguish between a patriarchy, where men hold authority, and patrilineal descent, which specifically concerns how names and property are inherited.

Usage: Commonly used in anthropology and history to describe specific kinship structures.

### 3. church office

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

the office or rank of a high-ranking leader in some Christian churches.

For teachers: the jurisdiction, office, or term of office of a patriarch in certain Christian denominations.

- The bishop was elevated to the patriarchy after years of service.
- The historical boundaries of the patriarchy were redefined following the ecumenical council in the fourth century.

## Examples

- Many activists work to challenge the traditional patriarchy in modern society.
- Sociologists study how the patriarchy influences career progression and wage gaps in corporate environments.
- The transition from a traditional patriarchy to a more egalitarian social structure often involves significant legal reforms regarding inheritance, voting rights, and domestic autonomy.

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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.