matriarchy

Meaning

Noun

• A social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children.
• A system of government by females (particularly as a kind of polity).
• The dominance of women in social or cultural systems.

Related

Similar words

• matriarchate

Opposite words

• patriarchy

Origin

• Coined after patriarchy, from Latin māter (mother) and Greek ἄρχω (I rule).