monarch butterfly

noun

: a large migratory American butterfly (Danaus plexippus) that has orange-brown wings with black veins and borders and a larva that feeds on milkweed

Illustration of monarch butterfly

Illustration of monarch butterfly

Examples of monarch butterfly in a Sentence

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.
Of them, one of the most iconic species has to be the monarch butterfly. — Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 28 May 2026 Other marchers donned flowing monarch butterfly wings. — Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 In the fall, hundreds of monarch butterflies flock to the Sacred Oaks garden, a peaceful outdoor wedding venue. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 In addition to monarch butterflies, it's beloved by many pollinators—and its beautiful orange blooms always put on a show. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for monarch butterfly

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monarch butterfly was in 1890

Rhymes for monarch butterfly

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Browse Nearby Words

monarchal
monarch butterfly
monarchess
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Cite this Entry

“Monarch butterfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarch%20butterfly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monarch butterfly

noun
: a large orange and black American butterfly that migrates in large numbers in the spring and fall and whose larva feeds on milkweed

More from Merriam-Webster on monarch butterfly

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monarch butterfly

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