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

Environmental advocates have called for the city to take less water to help the lake reach a healthy level and support an ecosystem that is vital for migratory birds. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026

Gray whales are currently on their yearly migratory journey north to the Arctic, and often appear in San Francisco Bay to rest and feed along their route. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on House Bill 420, which would set a new $10 fee for Georgia residents to catch reef and migratory fish. —Adam Beam, AJC.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Botts also mentioned that the lake is an important part of the pathway for migratory birds. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 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