Definition of dynasty

The word "dynasty" originated from the Greek word "dynastē" (δυναστεία), which was derived from "dunasteuein" (δυνατέュειν), meaning "to rule" or "to dominate." In ancient Greek, the term referred to a lordship or a state of being ruler. The word "dynasty" was later adopted into Latin as "dynastia", and from there it was borrowed into Middle English as "dynastie". In English, the term initially referred to a succession of rulers or a line of monarchs, and over time it came to refer to a periods of time when a particular family or group held power or dominance. Today, the word "dynasty" is often used to describe a long period of time when a particular family or group held power or influence, such as the Roman Empire, the British monarchy, or the Han dynasty in China.