Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
matrilineal
Adjective
/ˌmætrɪˈlɪniəl/
Definition
Relating to a social system in which family lineage is traced through the mother’s side.
Examples
- The Iroquois Nation practiced a matrilineal system where property and names were inherited through women.
- In a matrilineal society, children belong to their mother’s clan and lineage.
- Many Indigenous cultures have matrilineal traditions that shape societal roles and responsibilities.
Meaning
Matrilineal describes a cultural or social structure where ancestry, inheritance, and family ties are recognized and passed down through the female line, rather than the male.
Synonyms
- mother-based
- female-line
- matriarchal
