A patriarch is the male head of a family or tribe, especially one who is respected for his age, wisdom, and authority. In many cultures throughout history, the oldest living male in a family held this role, making important decisions and guiding younger generations.

You might read about patriarchs in the Bible, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who founded the Hebrew people and whose stories shaped entire civilizations. In some traditional families today, a grandfather or great-grandfather might be called the patriarch, especially if family members look to him for advice and leadership.

Patriarch can also refer to high-ranking religious leaders. In Christianity, bishops who lead ancient churches in cities like Constantinople or Jerusalem are called patriarchs. These religious leaders oversee many other clergy and help guide their faith communities.

The related word patriarchy describes a social system where men hold most of the power and authority, particularly older men. Throughout much of human history, most societies were patriarchies, with fathers and husbands making major decisions about property, work, and family life. In contrast, a matriarchy would be a system led by women, though these have been far less common historically.

When you hear someone called the patriarch of a family, it usually means he is both older and truly respected and looked up to by those around him.