monarch butterfly

noun

: a large migratory American butterfly (Danaus plexippus) that has orange-brown wings with black veins and borders and a larva that feeds on milkweed

Illustration of monarch butterfly

Examples of monarch butterfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the resort-view rooms, which start at an ample 535 square feet, the king bed is the focal point, topped with oversized white pillows and crisp white linens imprinted with monarch butterflies, a nod to the area’s colorful inhabitants. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

At Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, nature lovers can watch monarch butterflies flutter through the eucalyptus trees from November to February. — Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Some monarch butterflies have already reached the state, as reported by observers. — Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 29 Aug. 2026

Future Live Migrations productions are planned around the journeys of sandhill cranes, whales, wildebeest and monarch butterflies. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monarch butterfly

• canaliculi
• dwi
• micronuclei
• oversimplify
• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli

Kids Definition

monarch butterfly

noun

: a large orange and black American butterfly that migrates in large numbers in the spring and fall and whose larva feeds on milkweed