How to pronounce matriarchy
Say it like MAY-tree-ar-kee. Matriarchy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce matriarchy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAY
- tree
- ar
- kee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Matriarchy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- treeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- arGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- keeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of matriarchy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MAY-tree-ah-kee.
What does matriarchy mean?
- A social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children, and lineage is traced through the female line.
- A system of government by women (particularly as a kind of polity).
- The dominance of women in social or cultural systems.
Words that rhyme with matriarchy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of matriarchy.
Questions about saying matriarchy
How do you pronounce matriarchy?
Say MAY-tree-ar-kee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmeɪtriˌɑrki/. In British English it is /ˈmeɪtriˌɑːki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in matriarchy?
Matriarchy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAY). Broken into parts: MAY · tree · ar · kee.
Is matriarchy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈmeɪtriˌɑːki/ (MAY-tree-ah-kee).