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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
Examples of monarch butterfly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Milkweed Protecting monarch butterflies is more important than ever, and the actions of every gardener count!
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
But nothing is quite like the annual monarch butterfly migration.
—Outside Online, 9 Oct. 2024
Helene could also disrupt part of the epic monarch butterfly migration, which typically passes through the Big Bend’s St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in early October.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Sep. 2024
Animals and Nature At the Mexican El Rosario sanctuary, within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, during the harsh winter months, millions of monarch butterflies gather in a warm embrace, transforming the oyamel fir trees into a vibrant mosaic of colors.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for monarch butterfly
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Word History
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of monarch butterfly was
in 1890
Dictionary Entries Near monarch butterfly
Cite this Entry
“Monarch butterfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarch%20butterfly. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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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