polygyny A term denoting the concurrent marriage of one man with two or more women. This is not uncommon and is widespread in human societies. Where the women involved are sisters it is termed sororal polygyny. Some writers appear to use polygamy rather than polygyny to denote this kind of marriage, although strictly speaking, polygyny and polyandry are both versions of polygamy.

polygyny In animals, a pattern of mating in which a male has more than one female partner. Compare monogamy and polyandry; see also polygamy and promiscuity.

polygyny In animals, a pattern of mating in which a male has more than one female partner. Compare POLYANDRY; see also POLYGAMY; PROMISCUITY.