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

Examples

• Some anthropologists study societies that were organized as a matriarchy.
• The ancient Minoan civilization is sometimes cited as an example of matriarchy.
• In a matriarchy, women typically inherit property and pass it to their daughters.
• The tribe was structured as a matriarchy with the eldest woman making major decisions.
• Scholars debate whether true matriarchy has ever existed in human societies.
• The novel depicted a futuristic matriarchy where women controlled all government positions.