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Definition of patrilocality

patrilocality

/ˌpætrɪloʊˈkæləti/
pa · tri · lo · cal · i · ty
Adverb:patrilocally
•
Plural:patrilocalities
•
Adjective:patrilocal
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patrilocality Lexical Profile

patrilocality Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A cultural practice or social system in which a married couple establishes their household with or in close proximity to the husband's family or parents.

Example

"The anthropologist noted that the shift from patrilocality to neolocality in the region was primarily driven by young couples moving to urban centers for work."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for patrilocality
Antonyms
View all antonyms for patrilocality

Word Nuance & Usage

In anthropological and sociological contexts, patrilocality is specifically contrasted with matrilocality (residence with the wife's family) and neolocality (establishing a new, independent residence).

• Rhymes for patrilocality

• Nearby Words

patrician
patricide
patrick
patrilocality
patrinia
patriot
patriotic

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century by anthropologists from the prefix 'patri-' (derived from Latin 'pater', meaning father) and 'locality' (from Latin 'locus', meaning place).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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