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Definition of matriarch

matriarch

/ˈmeɪ.tri.ɑːrk/
ma · tri · arch
Adverb:matriarchally
•
Plural:matriarchs
•
Adjective:matriarchal
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matriarch Lexical Profile

matriarch Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A woman who is the head of a family, clan, or tribe.

Example

"As the family matriarch, our grandmother hosted every holiday gathering and offered guidance to three generations."

2

An older woman who is powerful, respected, and influential within an organization, community, or profession.

Example

"She was widely regarded as the reigning matriarch of modern contemporary dance."

3

A dominant, typically older female who leads a social group of animals, such as an elephant herd or an orca pod.

Example

"The aging elephant matriarch led the herd across the dry savanna toward a distant watering hole she remembered from her youth."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for matriarch

• Nearby Words

matinee
matisia
matoa
matriarch
matriarchal
matriarchy
matric

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century on the model of 'patriarch,' combining Latin 'mater' (mother) with the Greek suffix '-arkhes' (ruler).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Matriarch. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/matriarch
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