migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by migration

2

: wandering, roving

Synonyms

• migrant
• mobile

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

This not-for-profit conservation organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced. —Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025

The monarch butterfly's annual migratory journey from Canada — through Pennsylvania — to Mexico is a breeze compared to the federal government's lengthy process to protect the dwindling species. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025

Both are migratory songbirds that arrive in seasonal waves. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

These birds were known for their enormous migratory flocks that could darken the sky for hours, with reports of flocks stretching for miles. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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
• extempore
• feudatory

Kids Definition

migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: having a way of life that includes making migrations

migratory workers