monarchy

noun

mon·​ar·​chy ˈmä-nər-kē 

 also  -ˌnär-

plural monarchies

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

Kings and queens may have been the centerpieces of the historic English monarchy, but they were always supported by an army of staff. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024

An intimate behind-the-scenes portrait of the British monarchy, the lavish Netflix show follows the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II's — portrayed by Claire Foy (seasons 1–2), Olivia Colman (seasons 3–4) and Imelda Staunton (seasons 5–6) — from the 1940s through modern day. —Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing monarchy

• constitutional monarchy

Kids Definition

monarchy

noun

mon·​ar·​chy ˈmän-ər-kē 

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