migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by migration

2

: wandering, roving

Synonyms

• 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

In addition, migratory birds arrive in full breeding plumage, and Kenya’s Lake Nakuru turns pink with thousands of flamingos. —Maija De Rijk-Uys published, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025

Hormonal shifts trigger hibernation, migratory instincts, or metabolic adjustments long before outward behavior changes. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

However, almost $5 billion — including funds for English acquisition, academic enrichment and to educate children of migratory workers — remains unaccounted for,leaving school districts uncertain of the future of these programs. —Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025

Video footage of the animal’s July 12 capture, posted online, has ignited a debate over whether these intelligent, migratory creatures belong in captivity. —Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025

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