1. relating to or characteristic of a system in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it
2. relating to a patriarch or patriarchy; characteristic of a father figure or male head of family
3. relating to any of the biblical patriarchs or early church fathers
Usage: religious

Examples

• Many traditional societies were organized around patriarchal structures.
• The patriarchal system limited women’s access to education and careers.
• He came from a patriarchal family where the father made all major decisions.
• The company’s patriarchal culture made it difficult for women to advance.
• Ancient patriarchal societies traced lineage through the male line.
• The patriarchal traditions of the Old Testament influenced many cultures.
• She challenged the patriarchal assumptions in the workplace.