migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by migration

2

: wandering, roving

Synonyms of migratory

• migrant

Examples of migratory in a Sentence

most of the apple crop is picked by migratory workers

migratory birds heading south for the winter

Recent Examples on the Web

Neighbors also say local wildlife — including eagles and other migratory birds — are already being displaced. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026

The park has a variety of attractions, including more than 16 miles of trails ranging in difficulty, 90-acre Tucket Lake that can be fished, swim and kayak, and acts as a seasonal home to many migratory birds, like the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. —Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

That means turning out your lights at night because most migratory birds (including hummingbirds) travel at night. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

In spring, migratory warblers feast on insects hidden among the tree’s needles. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for migratory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• clerestory
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• extempore
• feudatory

Kids Definition

migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: having a way of life that includes making migrations

migratory workers