# polygamy

/pəˈɫɪɡəˌmi/ (US) · /pˌɒlɪɡˈæmi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. multiple spouses

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the custom or practice of being married to more than one person at the same time.

For teachers: the condition or practice of having more than one spouse or marriage partner simultaneously.

- In some cultures, polygamy is a traditional practice that has existed for centuries.
- The legal system in most Western nations strictly prohibits polygamy, recognizing only monogamous marital unions as valid under the law.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the practice in general; countable when referring to specific instances or systems.

### 2. multiple mates

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the habit of an animal having more than one sexual partner.

For teachers: the state or habit of an animal having more than one sexual mate during a breeding season.

- Scientists studied the polygamy of the bird species to understand their social structure.
- The prevalence of polygamy in certain primate species is often linked to the availability of resources and the need for genetic diversity.

Usage: Commonly used in zoological research to describe mating strategies.

### 3. botany

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

when a single plant has both male, female, and mixed flowers.

For teachers: the condition of a plant bearing both hermaphrodite (perfect) and unisexual flowers on the same or different individuals of the same species.

- The botanist noted the polygamy of the tree, which helped it reproduce easily.
- Polygamy in floral biology serves as an evolutionary mechanism to ensure successful pollination across varying environmental conditions.

## Examples

- Some ancient cultures practiced polygamy for many centuries.
- While most modern legal systems prohibit polygamy, it remains a recognized social structure in several specific regions and religious communities.
- In evolutionary biology, polygamy is often analyzed through the lens of reproductive success, as it can increase the genetic diversity of offspring within a specific population or social group.

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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.