patrilineal

adjective

pat·​ri·​lin·​eal ˌpa-trə-ˈli-nē-əl How to pronounce patrilineal (audio)
: relating to, based on, or tracing descent through the paternal line
a patrilineal society

Examples of patrilineal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party contends that opening royal status to commoners is just one step down a path that will ultimately lead to the abandonment of patrilineal legitimacy, ultimately discarding the sacred Y chromosome. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025 Like his knickers, this too traces a patrilineal line. Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025 His decision flew in the face of centuries of patrilineal tradition within House Targaryen and across the majority of the Seven Kingdoms, including the dispute that led to Viserys becoming king in the first place. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 13 June 2024 The findings also show that like other Neolithic families, those in the passage tombs were patrilineal—the men were typically related to each other whereas adult women had no genetic kin in the tombs. Andrew Curry, science.org, 10 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for patrilineal

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patrilineal was in 1904

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Cite this Entry

“Patrilineal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patrilineal. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

patrilineal

adjective
pat·​ri·​lin·​eal ˌpa-trə-ˈlin-ē-əl How to pronounce patrilineal (audio)
: relating to, based on, or tracing descent through the paternal line
patrilineal society
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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