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

After 11 years of republican rule, the restoration of the monarchy meant more than just the public display of Oliver Cromwell’s exhumed and severed head outside of Westminster. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2024

Whether that was the society of her village or the monarchy, or the post-revolution, post-1952, Egypt. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024

But the link between the monarchy and the military is still very strong, with service members taking an oath of allegiance to the king and members of the royal family supporting service personnel through a variety of charities. —Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2024

This has led to allegations Charles and William were secretly profiting from the state and were free to spend the money not only on the official functions of the monarchy but also their lifestyles. —Jack Royston, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

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