migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce migratory (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by migration
2

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Matthew and Theresa Lyson, husband and wife and co-founders of the nonprofit Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary in Washtenaw County's Salem Township, have also each been charged with six misdemeanor counts related to operating as a rehabilitator of migratory waterfowl without proper licensure. Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025 On the night of October 4, 2023, hundreds of migrating birds slammed into McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, a large building in one of the major migratory fly-ways that's floor-to-ceiling glass, right on the edge of Lake Michigan. NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 Golfers will find championship courses such as TPC Myrtle Beach and Dunes Golf & Beach Club more relaxed this time of year, while nature lovers can wander coastal trails at Myrtle Beach State Park or spot migratory birds at Huntington Beach State Park. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025 The disappearance of migratory birds such as flamingos and pelicans signals not only a loss of biodiversity but also a broader disruption of regional ecosystems that sustain local livelihoods. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for migratory

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of migratory was in 1708

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Cite this Entry

“Migratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/migratory. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

migratory

adjective
mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce migratory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: having a way of life that includes making migrations
migratory workers

More from Merriam-Webster on migratory

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