'''Polyamory''' meaning many or several is the practice, desire, or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

'''Polyamory''' meaning many or several is the practice, desire, or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.

Polyamory, often abbreviated to ''poly'', is sometimes described as ''consensual,'' ''ethical,'' or ''responsible non-monogamy''. The word is occasionally used more broadly to refer to any sexual or romantic relationships that are not sexually exclusive, though there is disagreement on how broadly it applies; an emphasis on ethics, honesty, and transparency all around is widely regarded as the crucial defining characteristics.  

Polyamory, often abbreviated to ''poly'', is sometimes described as ''consensual,'' ''ethical,'' or ''responsible non-monogamy''. The word is occasionally used more broadly to refer to any sexual or romantic relationships that are not sexually exclusive, though there is disagreement on how broadly it applies; an emphasis on ethics, honesty, and transparency all around is widely regarded as the crucial defining characteristics.  

"Polyamorous" can refer to the nature of a relationship at some point in time or to a [[philosophy]] or relationship orientation (much like gender or sexual orientation). It is used as an umbrella term that covers various forms of multiple relationships; polyamorous arrangements are varied, reflecting the choices and philosophies of the individuals involved.

"Polyamorous" can refer to the nature of a relationship at some point in time or to a philosophy or relationship orientation (much like gender or sexual orientation). It is used as an umbrella term that covers various forms of multiple relationships; polyamorous arrangements are varied, reflecting the choices and philosophies of the individuals involved.

Polyamory differs from polygamy, which means to have multiple ''spouses''. Traditional polygamy is usually patriarchal and polygynous (though there are also traditional [[polyandrous]] societies which may be matriarchal) and may be practiced in accordance with religious beliefs. Polyamory is a different outlook grounded in concepts such as gender equality, self-determination, free choice for all involved, mutual trust, equal respect among partners, the intrinsic value of love, the ideal of [[compersion]], and other mostly secular ideals. As of July 2009, there were estimated to be more than 500,000 polyamorous relationships in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bennett |first=Jessica |title=Polyamory—relationships with multiple, mutually consenting partners—has a coming-out party. |newspaper=Newsweek Magazine Online |year=2009 |date=June 29 |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/209164 |accessdate=2009-09-15 |quote=[http://google.com/search?q=cache:HQ7XSHMfV_0J:www.newsweek.com/id/191012)%3Freload%3Dtrue+polyamory+site:newsweek.com&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Editor's note in TOC: "Polyamory is a thriving phenomenon in the United States, with over half a million families openly living in relationships that are between multiple consenting partners."]

Polyamory differs from polygamy, which means to have multiple ''spouses''. Traditional polygamy is usually patriarchal and polygynous (though there are also traditional polyandrous societies which may be matriarchal) and may be practiced in accordance with religious beliefs. Polyamory is a different outlook grounded in concepts such as gender equality, self-determination, free choice for all involved, mutual trust, equal respect among partners, the intrinsic value of love, the ideal of compersion, and other mostly secular ideals. As of July 2009, there were estimated to be more than 500,000 polyamorous relationships in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bennett |first=Jessica |title=Polyamory—relationships with multiple, mutually consenting partners—has a coming-out party. |newspaper=Newsweek Magazine Online |year=2009 |date=June 29 |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/209164 |accessdate=2009-09-15 |quote=[http://google.com/search?q=cache:HQ7XSHMfV_0J:www.newsweek.com/id/191012)%3Freload%3Dtrue+polyamory+site:newsweek.com&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Editor's note in TOC: "Polyamory is a thriving phenomenon in the United States, with over half a million families openly living in relationships that are between multiple consenting partners."]

}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=George |first=Robert P. |title=Gay Marriage, Democracy, and the Courts |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204619004574322084279548434.html |quote=This week's Newsweek reports more than 500,000 polyamorous households in the U.S. |accessdate=13 September 2009}}</ref>

}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=George |first=Robert P. |title=Gay Marriage, Democracy, and the Courts |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204619004574322084279548434.html |quote=This week's Newsweek reports more than 500,000 polyamorous households in the U.S. |accessdate=13 September 2009}}</ref>

The defining characteristic of polyamory is belief in the possibility of, and value of, multiple romantic loving relationships carried out "with the knowledge and consent of all partners concerned."<ref name="oed.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.oed.com/help/updates/pleb-Pomak.html |title=New edition: ''pleb'' to ''Pomak'' |accessdate=2007-02-16 |date=2006-09-14 |work=Quarterly updates to OED Online}}</ref> What distinguishes polyamory from traditional forms of non-monogamy (i.e. "[[infidelity|cheating]]") is an ideology that openness, goodwill, intense communication, and ethical behavior should prevail among all the parties involved. Powerful intimate bonding among three or more persons may occur. Some consider polyamory to be, at its root, the ''generalization'' of romantic couple-love beyond two people into something larger and more fundamental.<ref>Alan M. [http://polyinthemedia.blogspot.com/2008/10/more-speeches-from-poly-pride-weekend.html "Five Speeches from Poly Pride Weekend"], ''Polyamory in the News'', Oct. 20, 2008 (retrieved Feb. 21, 2011)</ref><ref>[http://www.polyamoryleadershipnetwork.org/ "Welcome to the Polyamory Leadership Network"], Oct. 2010 (retrieved Feb. 21, 2011)</ref>

The defining characteristic of polyamory is belief in the possibility of, and value of, multiple romantic loving relationships carried out "with the knowledge and consent of all partners concerned."<ref name="oed.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.oed.com/help/updates/pleb-Pomak.html |title=New edition: ''pleb'' to ''Pomak'' |accessdate=2007-02-16 |date=2006-09-14 |work=Quarterly updates to OED Online}}</ref> What distinguishes polyamory from traditional forms of non-monogamy (i.e. "cheating") is an ideology that openness, goodwill, intense communication, and ethical behavior should prevail among all the parties involved. Powerful intimate bonding among three or more persons may occur. Some consider polyamory to be, at its root, the ''generalization'' of romantic couple-love beyond two people into something larger and more fundamental.<ref>Alan M. [http://polyinthemedia.blogspot.com/2008/10/more-speeches-from-poly-pride-weekend.html "Five Speeches from Poly Pride Weekend"], ''Polyamory in the News'', Oct. 20, 2008 (retrieved Feb. 21, 2011)</ref><ref>[http://www.polyamoryleadershipnetwork.org/ "Welcome to the Polyamory Leadership Network"], Oct. 2010 (retrieved Feb. 21, 2011)</ref>