1. a social system in which women hold the primary power and predominant roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property
2. a family, group, or state governed by a matriarch

Examples

• The anthropologist studied the matriarchate of the ancient civilization.
• In this matriarchate, women inherited property and made major decisions.
• The tribe’s matriarchate had lasted for centuries before colonial influence.
• She wrote her thesis on the decline of the matriarchate in that region.
• The matriarchate was characterized by female leadership in both religious and political matters.
• Historical records suggest this society functioned as a matriarchate for over 300 years.