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

The distinction Camilla was concerned about was between the private family and the public monarchy. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 Sep. 2026

Their paths cross during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, and what begins as an unexpected romance develops into an impossible love that must navigate public scrutiny, royal tradition, and the expectations of the Swedish monarchy. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Norway’s monarchy traces its origins to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

The series spans Brussels, Leopoldville, Rome and Madrid, connecting Belgium’s monarchy with Cold War geopolitics and Catholic influence. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing monarchy

• absolute 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