polyandry
noun
poly·an·dry ˈpä-lē-ˌan-drē 
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandrous
ˌpä-lē-ˈan-drəs
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The show even dips into polyandry, with comic Leslie Jones playing a pirate named Spanish Jackie who has 19 husbands. 
Sara Stewart, CNN, 3 May 2022 How are the terms polyamory and ethical non-monogamy different from polygamy and polyandry? Eve Ettinger, Health.com, 9 Nov. 2021 The film, with a backdrop of the polyandry custom in some parts of the country, traces a difficult and life-affirming journey deep in the Himalayas. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Sep. 2021 The idea that polyandry is not authentically African was also prevalent among religious leaders, the Department of Home Affairs found. Zamira Rahim, CNN, 28 June 2021 First, not all species are monogamous, and father-like behavior can accompany polyandry—a phenomenon in which a female takes multiple mates, leaving paternity a mystery. Paul Nicklen, National Geographic, 13 June 2017
Sara Stewart, CNN, 3 May 2022 How are the terms polyamory and ethical non-monogamy different from polygamy and polyandry? Eve Ettinger, Health.com, 9 Nov. 2021 The film, with a backdrop of the polyandry custom in some parts of the country, traces a difficult and life-affirming journey deep in the Himalayas. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Sep. 2021 The idea that polyandry is not authentically African was also prevalent among religious leaders, the Department of Home Affairs found. Zamira Rahim, CNN, 28 June 2021 First, not all species are monogamous, and father-like behavior can accompany polyandry—a phenomenon in which a female takes multiple mates, leaving paternity a mystery. Paul Nicklen, National Geographic, 13 June 2017 Word History
Etymology
Greek polýandros "having many husbands" (from poly- poly- + -andros, adjective derivative of andr-, anḗr "man, husband") + -y entry 2 — more at andro-
First Known Use
1680, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
polyandry
noun
poly·an·dry ˈpäl-ē-ˌan-drē
plural polyandries
: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time compare polygamy, polygyny
polyandry
noun
as in polygyny
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- polygyny
- polygamy
- bigamy
- polyamory
- monogamy
- marriage
- conjugality
- matrimony
- wedlock
- intermarriage
- miscegenation
- cohabitation
- remarriage
- connubiality
- mixed marriage
- match
- relationship
- domestic partnership
- civil union
- commitment
- proposal
- betrothal
- attachment
- engagement
- common-law marriage
- espousal
- promise
- troth
- pledge
- hand
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- divorce
- separation
- annulment