patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy
a patriarchal culture
a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following the 2024 Election, the 4B Movement—a boycott on relationships with men—was floated as an idea to oppose conservative patriarchal notions and male Trump voters in the US. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 According to 2012 research from Child Abuse Review, this kind of father wound is resultant of a common patriarchal norm: that men should focus solely on maintaining order, while remaining emotionally stoic. Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Even single-name female celebrities—Cher, Madonna, Oprah—who operate above the mortal realm might be telling us something about their attitude to the patriarchal tradition of taking on some man’s identity. Nell Frizzell, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025 Women’s activism has disrupted the traditional patriarchal family structure, diminished the influence of certain Islamic laws, and weakened religious and traditional values. Narges Mohammadi, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patriarchal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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