monarch
Monarch (noun) means a king, queen, emperor, or other hereditary ruler who is head of state. Example: “The monarch opened parliament with a formal speech.”
How to Use Monarch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hereditary ruler such as a king or queen, or the well-known migratory orange butterfly.
Word Forms
monarchs plural, Monarchs plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ opened parliament with a formal speech.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek monárkhēs, "sole ruler," combining mónos ("alone") and arkhós ("leader").
Synonyms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “monarch” mean?
The word “monarch” means a king, queen, emperor, or other hereditary ruler who is head of state. In plain terms, a hereditary ruler such as a king or queen, or the well-known migratory orange butterfly.
How do you pronounce “monarch”?
“Monarch” is pronounced MO-nuhk (/ˈmɑnɚk/ in IPA).
How do you use “monarch” in a sentence?
Here is “monarch” used in a sentence: “The monarch opened parliament with a formal speech.”
What part of speech is “monarch”?
“Monarch” is a noun.
Where does the word “monarch” come from?
The word “monarch” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek monárkhēs, "sole ruler," combining mónos ("alone") and arkhós ("leader").
Is “monarch” a common word?
“Monarch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “monarch” have?
“Monarch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a king, queen, emperor, or other hereditary ruler who is head of state.
What is the difference between a monarch and a king or queen?
Monarch is the general term for a hereditary head of state, and it covers kings, queens, emperors, and other similar rulers. King and queen are specific titles within the broader category of monarch, distinguished mainly by gender and sometimes rank.
Why is the monarch butterfly called a monarch?
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a large orange-and-black butterfly known for its long migrations, and it shares its name with the ruler sense of monarch, though the two meanings are unrelated in origin and simply refer to different things.
Is monarch always a hereditary position?
Based on the core definition, a monarch is typically a hereditary ruler who is head of state, meaning the position usually passes down through a royal family line rather than being elected or appointed.