English vocabulary · C1
Matriarch
/ˈmeɪtriɑːrk/ · n.
A matriarch is the main woman in a family. Others trust her choices.
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Example sentences
- The matriarch chose our family home.
- Grandma is the farm's matriarch.
Word origin and roots
- matri — mother (from Latin)
- arch — rule (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- HEAD — person in charge (Has The Main Role)
- ELDER — respected older member (Older Trusted Person)
- CHIEF — person in charge (Has Top Authority)
Words with the same root
matri — mother
- maternal — related to a mother
- maternity — the state of being a mother
- matron — an older married woman
Lesson notes
A matriarch is the main woman in a family. Others trust her choices.
Related: head, elder, chief. Use matriarch when a woman guides a family or group.
The matriarch chose our family home. Grandma is the farm's matriarch.
Matri- means mother. Arch means rule. Together, they show a mother who rules her family as its matriarch.