əˈblɪgəˌtori 
British əˈblɪgətri
1
formal
: required by a law or rule
obligatory [=mandatory] military service
The training is obligatory for all personnel.
2
always used before a noun humorous
: always or often included as a familiar and expected part of something
This action movie includes the obligatory chase scenes.
Cite this Entry
“Obligatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obligatory. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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