always used before a noun
1
: of or relating to a king or queen
the royal family/household/palace
He comes from royal blood. [=he is in some way related to a king or queen]
2
—used in names of organizations that are supported by or that serve a king or queen
the Royal Army
the Royal College of Art
the Royal National Theatre
3
: suitable for a king or queen : elaborate or impressive
They received a royal welcome as they stepped off the plane.
The hotel gave us the royal treatment. [=they treated us like very important people]
4
chiefly US, informal
—used to make a statement more forceful
My little brother is a royal pain in the neck.
plural royals
informal
: a member of a royal family
magazine stories about the private lives of royals
Cite this Entry
“Royal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/royal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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