Monarch Meaning
/ˈmɒnək/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe ruler of an absolute monarchy or the head of state of a constitutional monarchy.
nounA monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and others of genus Danaus, found primarily in North America.
Sentence Examples
The band played for the visiting monarch.
The monarch is supposed to attend the funeral.
It was the first visit by a British reigning monarch to Russia.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ wore a golden crown and ruled the entire kingdom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The absolute ____ ruled the small European kingdom for over fifty years, witnessing several significant historical changes during her long reign.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French monarque, from Late Latin monarcha, from Ancient Greek μονάρχης (monárkhēs), variant of μόναρχος (mónarkhos, “sole ruler”), from μόνος (mónos, “only”) + ἀρχός (arkhós, “leader”), equivalent to mono- + -arch. * (butterfly): See monarch butterfly.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Never was monarch better fear'd and lov'd / Than is your Majesty."
— 1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii], page 25:
"But I know the monarchs are close by, their orange-and-black wings folded, dusted, and baked by heat, ready to flee south."
— 2019, Ocean Vuong, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, Jonathan Cape, page 223:
"‘Skippy gets off. An ya know the first thing e says to them monarch? E turns round on em an yelps, “An now ya can just gimme back that bottle.”’"
— 1961, Nene Gare, The Fringe Dwellers, Text Classics, published 2012, page 41:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ wore a golden crown and ruled the entire kingdom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The absolute ____ ruled the small European kingdom for over fifty years, witnessing several significant historical changes during her long reign.