noun
monarch
A large orange-and-black migratory butterfly.
A monarch spreads its orange-and-black wings on a garden flower.
Etymology
The butterfly takes its name from monarch, a sovereign ruler. The title gives the insect a regal name; the exact historical motivation for choosing it is uncertain.
More examples
- The monarch lays her eggs on milkweed leaves.
- Thousands of monarchs fly south for the winter.
- We watch a monarch emerge from its chrysalis.
Forms
monarch · monarchs
Similar words
- butterfly
- A broader term that includes many species besides monarchs.