'polygyny' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'polygynía' (πολυγυνία), where 'poly-' meant 'many' and 'gynē' meant 'woman'.

'polygynía' passed into Late Latin and then into English via scientific and anthropological usage, becoming the modern English word 'polygyny'.

Initially, it meant 'the state or condition of having many wives', and this basic meaning has been retained in modern usage.