Taboords

Relationship

What does Polyamory mean?

More than one love bond at once, with the people involved knowing.

  • Circulation: high
  • Source language: en
  • Translatable: yes

Definition

Polyamory is not infidelity with new vocabulary. The point is transparency: bonds are not hidden from one another, even if rules vary (hierarchical, parallel, kitchen table). Jealousy still exists; the community borrows compersion for taking pleasure in the other bond. ENM is the umbrella; polyamory is the branch that insists on love, not only sex.

Origin

English polyamory, popularised in the 1990s (Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart and the neopagan/kink scene).

History

From zines and lists to Tinder bios and consulting rooms. The prefix poly became identity and also a lazy accusation.

How it emerged

A name was missing that was neither swinging nor cheating for people who loved more than one.

Usage examples

  • Polyamory without a calendar is only a slogan.

  • A metamour is the person who loves the same person you love.

Translations

  • pt poliamor
  • en polyamory
  • es poliamor

Synonyms

  • many loves
  • multiple bonds
  • non-exclusive love

Related terms

Relationship Compersion Joy in the other's romantic pleasure, the cultivated opposite of jealousy. Sexuality ENM Acronym for ethical non-monogamy: more than one affective or sexual bond, agreed in the open. Relationship Metamour Your partner's partner: the other love in the network, who is not yours. Relationship Open relationship A couple (or primary bond) that agrees sexual encounters outside, with its own rules.

Questions

What is polyamory?

Holding more than one love bond with the people involved knowing.

Is it an open relationship?

Open usually privileges the couple and outside sex. Polyamory privileges multiple loves. There is overlap.

ENM and polyamory?

ENM is the umbrella. Polyamory is one form.

By Kevin Henrique · Updated August 19, 2026