polyamory

American

[pol-ee-am-er-ee] / ˌpɒl iˈæm ər i /

noun

the practice or condition of participating simultaneously in more than one serious romantic or sexual relationship with the knowledge and consent of all partners.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of polyamory

First recorded in 1990–95; poly- ( def. ) + Latin amor “love” ( see amorous ( def. )) + -y ³ ( def. ); patterned after polygamy ( def. )

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But for now, many families still face legal hurdles even in places where polyamory is becoming widely accepted.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Expect curveballs — some may pitch polyamory, causing a near-existential crisis in a single who longs for a fairy-tale romance with one individual.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2025

But overwhelmingly 82% replied they were not polyamory and never would be.

From BBC • May 26, 2024

In her case, she believes her marriage has grown stronger for embracing polyamory because each partner has to work hard on sharing how they are feeling.

From BBC • May 26, 2024

She described polyamory in elderly women who have previously been monogamous but are now facing a life after a divorce or the death of a partner.

From Slate • May 5, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023