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

Whoever prevails will become Nepal’s 16th prime minister in less than two decades, underscoring the recurring political instability that has marked the Himalayan nation since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. —ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026

Anne’s steadiness is especially critical in such a time as this for the monarchy. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

Readers who are fascinated by the monarchy and love thoughtful stories with complicated heroines will enjoy this one. —Gretchen Hardin, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026

The Tudors strengthened the English monarchy, but the plow helped England’s population triple, making the country dramatically more populous and prosperous. —Shayla Love, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 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