monarchy

noun

mon·​ar·​chy ˈmä-nər-kē 

 also  -ˌnär-

plural monarchies

1

: undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person

Saudi Arabia is governed by a monarchy.

2

: a nation or state having a monarchical government

Britain is a monarchy.

3

: a government having a hereditary chief of state with life tenure and powers varying from nominal to absolute

The country's hereditary monarchy survived for centuries.

Examples of monarchy in a Sentence

the French monarchy of the 18th century

Recent Examples on the Web

Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. —Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025

Most Canadians have apathetic, if not negative, feelings about the monarchy, an institution that seems increasingly distant as the country’s cultural links to Great Britain grow weaker. —Stephen Maher, Time, 27 May 2025

Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Mr. Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. —Rob Gillies, Christian Science Monitor, 27 May 2025

In addition, the trip comes at a time when the British monarchy is suffering a loss of popularity in Canada, something the King will be hoping to turn around during a charm offensive with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing monarchy

• constitutional monarchy

Kids Definition

monarchy

noun

mon·​ar·​chy ˈmän-ər-kē 

plural monarchies

1

: total rule by one person

2

: a nation or country ruled by a monarch

3

: a form of government having a chief of state who inherits the position, rules for life, and holds powers varying from very limited to total