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

There are both migratory and non-migratory populations, and the migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) was listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List in 2022. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026

However, dams severely disrupt aquatic ecosystems by blocking migratory paths to historic spawning grounds, fragmenting species populations, and trapping crucial nutrients. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

Artificial nighttime illumination can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal species that rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate, feed and reproduce, the coalition says. — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026

At the heart of the reserve, a tranquil lake provides a seasonal refuge for migratory birds, adding to the park’s rich and ever-changing birdlife. — Lydia Swinscoe, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 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
• feudatory
• gustatory

Kids Definition

migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: having a way of life that includes making migrations

migratory workers