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

Many species, like migratory birds, sea turtles, rely on this invisible global grid for long-distance navigation, orientation, and even hunting. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

In 2008, a Campylobacter outbreak linked to migratory cranes was reported in pea fields in Alaska. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2025

Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit, with wildflowers and plenty of migratory birds. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2025

Uprooting trees could upset migratory birds’ nesting season, and a short-term injunction will postpone work for about a year, the government said in court papers. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 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