noun
monarchy
MAH-ner-kee/ˈmɑːnərki/
Government by a king or queen.
In a constitutional monarchy, the king's powers are limited by law.
Etymology
The components express 'rule by one,' originally understood as supreme or absolute power. The word came to name the form of government headed by a monarch.
In context
Britain shifted into a constitutional monarchy, where the King or Queen serves as the head of state but has little real political power.
More examples
- The country became a monarchy when its first king took power.
- Many monarchies pass the crown from parent to child.
- Voters debate whether to keep the monarchy or establish a republic.
Forms
monarchy · monarchies
monarch noun — A king or queen who rules.
monarchical adjective — Relating to government by a king or queen.
Similar words
- kingship
- Emphasizes a king's position or authority rather than the government.
- kingdom
- Names the country ruled by a monarch, not the governing system.