matriarch

Everyday

1. A matriarch is a woman who is the head of a family or group, often the oldest and most respected. tree →
2. In animal groups like elephants, the matriarch is the old female who leads the herd. tree →

In the lessons

In science, elephant herds are led by a matriarch who remembers where water is in drought. In family stories, the grandmother may be the matriarch whose word is law. Opposite: patriarch.

Examples

• The matriarch led the elephants to the waterhole. tree →
• Granny is the matriarch of our family. tree →
• Everyone listened to the matriarch's advice. tree →
• Killer whale pods are led by matriarchs. tree →
• The old matriarch knew every path in the forest. tree →
• In the story, the matriarch ruled the family business. tree →

Note

Pronounced «MAY-tree-ark». «Matri-» means mother. Opposite: patriarch.