monarchy

noun

mon·​ar·​chy ˈmä-nər-kē How to pronounce monarchy (audio)
also -ˌnär-
plural monarchies
Synonyms of monarchy
1
: undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person
Saudi Arabia is governed by a monarchy.
2
: a nation or state having a monarchical government
Britain is a monarchy.
3
: a government having a hereditary chief of state with life tenure and powers varying from nominal to absolute
The country's hereditary monarchy survived for centuries.

Examples of monarchy in a Sentence

the French monarchy of the 18th century
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.
Is there a scenario where the British monarchy is no longer so divided? — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 27 June 2026 According to Us Weekly, the king found Andrew to be a serious threat to the monarchy. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Against the odds, our founders defeated a monarchy and created what would become the richest, freest, and most powerful country the world has ever seen. — ABC News, 28 June 2026 The news—the first time a British monarch has shared details about their personal tax returns—came as a part of a larger set of announcements about the future of the monarchy and its finances. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for monarchy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Phrases Containing monarchy

Browse Nearby Words

monarchomachic
monarchy
monarda
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarchy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monarchy

noun
mon·​ar·​chy ˈmän-ər-kē How to pronounce monarchy (audio)
plural monarchies
1
: total rule by one person
2
: a nation or country ruled by a monarch
3
: a form of government having a chief of state who inherits the position, rules for life, and holds powers varying from very limited to total
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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