Definition

1. Noun:
   • The practice or condition of having more than one spouse simultaneously. This refers to a marital system where an individual is married to multiple partners at the same time.

Usage

• The term "polygamy" is used as a general, non-gender-specific noun to describe the state or practice of plural marriage.
• It is typically discussed in anthropological, sociological, or religious contexts.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • Some cultures historically practiced polygamy.
  • The debate focused on the legal status of polygamy in modern society.
  • Anthropologists distinguish polygamy from monogamy.

Advanced Usage

• "Serial polygamy": A term sometimes used informally to describe the practice of having multiple spouses consecutively through divorce and remarriage, rather than simultaneously. (Note: This is not the standard definition of "polygamy").
  • His pattern of marriage, divorce, and remarriage was jokingly called serial polygamy.

Variants and Related Words

• Polygynist (n): A man who practices polygyny.
• Polyandrist (n): A woman who practices polyandry.
• Polygamous (adj): Characterized by or involving polygamy.
  • They lived in a polygamous household.
• Polygyny (n): The specific practice of a man having more than one wife.
• Polyandry (n): The specific practice of a woman having more than one husband.

Synonyms

• Plural marriage: A more descriptive synonym.
• Bigamy (n): The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another. (Note: "Bigamy" is often a legal term for a crime, whereas "polygamy" is a broader descriptive term for a practice).

Antonyms

• Monogamy (n): The practice or state of being married to one person at a time.

Noun

1. having more than one spouse at a time