monarch

noun

mon·​arch ˈmä-nərk How to pronounce monarch (audio)
-ˌnärk
Synonyms of monarch
1
: a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: such as
a
: a sovereign ruler
b
: a constitutional (see constitutional entry 1 sense 1) king or queen
2
: one that holds preeminent position or power
Cotton, monarch of the textile world …—Wall Street Journal
3
: monarch butterfly
monarchal
mə-ˈnär-kəl How to pronounce monarch (audio)
mä-
adjective
or monarchial
mə-ˈnär-kē-əl How to pronounce monarch (audio)
mä-

Synonyms of monarch

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Examples of monarch in a Sentence

a new history of French monarchs the ruling monarch of Britain at that time was Queen Elizabeth I
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The peak of the monarch's fall migration through Oklahoma typically takes place in late September and early October. — Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 29 Aug. 2026 The new monarch took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution before the Storting. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 The death of a monarch can boost national unity, and support for the crown. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Danish and Swedish monarchs had ruled over the Scandinavian nation for centuries, until 1905. — Terje Solsvik, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for monarch

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monarcha, from Greek monarchos, from mon- + -archos -arch

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monarch was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing monarch

Rhymes for monarch

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Browse Nearby Words

monapsal
monarch
monarchal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarch. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monarch

noun
mon·​arch ˈmän-ərk How to pronounce monarch (audio)
-ˌärk
1
: a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: as
a
: a ruler who has total power
absolute monarch
b
: someone who acts primarily as chief of state and who has only limited powers
constitutional monarch
2
: someone or something like a monarch
the oak is the monarch of the forest
3
: monarch butterfly
monarchal
mə-ˈnär-kəl How to pronounce monarch (audio)
mä-
adjective
or monarchial
-kē-əl How to pronounce monarch (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on monarch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monarch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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