migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce migratory (audio)
Synonyms of migratorynext
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by migration
2
: wandering, roving

Synonyms of migratory

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Examples of migratory in a Sentence

most of the apple crop is picked by migratory workers migratory birds heading south for the winter
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.
Timing matters even in urban areas, where city parks and green spaces often sit along key migratory routes. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Tucked along the Green River, not far from the Utah-Wyoming border, the refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and threatened species like the bald eagle. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026 Critics have argued that the approach serves the priorities of rich donor countries that prefer to stop migration earlier in a migratory route, even when the migration in question is forced rather than voluntary. — Kelsey Norman, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 There are four major flyways in North America, the north-south routes that migratory birds take between Canada and Central and South America each year. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for migratory

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of migratory was in 1708

Rhymes for migratory

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Browse Nearby Words

migratorial
migratory
migratory ant
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Cite this Entry

“Migratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/migratory. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

migratory

adjective
mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce migratory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: having a way of life that includes making migrations
migratory workers

More from Merriam-Webster on migratory

Nglish: Translation of migratory for Spanish Speakers

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