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

Mullally’s appointment also represents a sign of openness and renewal for the Church globally, made even more significant by the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are ready to lend support and renew the collaboration between the monarchy and the religious institution. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026

How’s Prince William dealing with this, and with the numerous challenges that come with being the face of a monarchy that people are pushing back against more, particularly after the Andrew scandal? —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Mar. 2026

Once used by Iran's monarchy to exile political prisoners, this rock is deceptively fertile on the ground. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026

The deportations have been the subject of two legal challenges in Eswatini, which is ruled by a king and is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world. —Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026

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