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

The development is planned within a nature reserve and one of Albania’s most valuable biodiversity areas, a key stopover for migratory birds along the Adriatic coast. —Zana Cimili, Fortune, 12 June 2026

Environmental advocates frequently press Chicago property owners to include this feature, especially for lakefront buildings likely to attract migratory birds. —Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026

Fall through spring is the best time to see migratory white pelicans and nesting brown pelicans. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

The collection spans centuries of storytelling in multiple genres, from migratory fairytales with kings and princesses to legends of ghosts and the Devil to fables with talking animals. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 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