monarch Hear it!

monarch Definition

mon·arch (mänərk, -ärk′)

noun

  1. the single or sole ruler of a state
  2. the hereditary (often constitutional) head of a state; king, queen, etc.
  3. a person or thing that surpasses others of the same kind
  4. a large, migratory butterfly (Danaus plexippus) native to North America, having orange, black-edged wings: the larvae feed on milkweed

Etymology: LME monarcha < LL < Gr monarchēs < monos, alone + archein, to rule: see mono- & -arch

monarch Synonyms

monarch

n.

ruler, despot, sovereign, autocrat; see king 1.

monarch Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • reign: The first heir born to a reigning monarch for three quarters of a century.
  • exile: In the Second World War, London was home to the exiled monarchs of many occupied countries.
  • succeed: There is now a movement afoot to exchange the title for succeeding monarchs to that of Defender of Faiths.
  • elect: We fight for the abolition of the post of presidency - especially directly-elected presidents, who become little more than strutting elected monarchs.
  • serve: Serving six monarchs of his native Great Britain, he has served all men's freedom and dignity.
  • become: By the time of her Golden Jubilee, Victoria had become the most popular monarch Britain has ever had.

Adjective modifier

  • Hanoverian: This is the first visit of a Hanoverian monarch to Scotland.
  • Assyrian: Samaria was also overrun by the Assyrian monarch, and the country heavily taxed.
  • constitutional: Michael was the only constitutional monarch to have led his people in person during the Second World War.
  • hereditary: The existence of a hereditary monarch keeps the politicians in their place.
  • Caribbean: In addition to was first launched in still elegant enough at caribbean cruise monarch royal sea half moon.
  • absolute: Absolute monarch of the Magic Kingdom On the second question, we can only note the growing evidence of megalomania.

Modifies a noun

  • butterfly: Impact of Bt corn pollen on monarch butterfly populations: A risk assessment.
  • larva: A: Research and experience to date indicate Bt corn does not pose danger for monarch larvae and other beneficial insects.

Noun used with modifier

  • ruling: In many people's eyes, Henry's accession to the throne had been achieved by treason against a ruling monarch.
  • cruise: In addition to was first launched in still elegant enough at caribbean cruise monarch royal sea half moon.

Possessives

  • reign: However, scholars believe that during the last years of the monarch's reign the Assyrian Empire began to decay.
  • son: Prince Albert was created Duke of York, the traditional title of the monarch's second son, in 1920.
  • head: For centuries British coins have copied Roman designs with the monarch's head on one side.

Preposition: of

  • forest: Even tho I am the sole monarch of the forest, I do not indulge in any act of injustice and corruption.
monarch Quotes

Edina! Scotia's darling seat, All hail thy palaces and tow'rs, Where once beneath a monarch's feet Sat Legislation's sov'reign pow'rs.

—Burns, Robert

He invades authors like a monarch; and what would be theft in other poets, is only victory in him.

—Dryden,John

Then Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart, His vigorous warmth did, variously, impart To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command, Scattered his Maker's image through the land.

—Dryden,John

Restless, he rolls about from whore to whore, A merry Monarch, scandalous and poor.

—Rochester,JohnWilmot, 2nd Earl of

Everything we hear from Buckingham Palace suggests that [the Queen] issurrounded by stupid, blind, stuffy, self-promoting, rivalrous, gin-drinking courtiers, who haven't realised that a modern constitutional Monarch exists no longer by right but by consent and free will.

—Hoggart, Simon David

I am monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute; From the centre all round to the sea, I am lord of the fowl and the brute. O Solitude! where are the charms That sages have seen in thy face? Better dwell in the midst of alarms, Than reign in this horrible place.

—Cowper,William

I am the monarch of the sea, The Ruler of the Queen's Navee, Whose praise Great Britain loudly chants And we are his sisters, and his cousins, and his aunts!

—Gilbert, Sir W(illiam) S(chwenck)

The self-worship of the monarch, or of the feudal superior, is matched by the self-worship of the male.

—Mill,John Stuart

With ravished ears The monarch hears, Assumes the god, Affects to nod, And seems to shake the spheres.

—Dryden,John

Browse dictionary entries near monarch

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