migratory

[ mahy-gruh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. migrating.
2. periodically migrating:

   a migratory species; migratory workers.

3. pertaining to a migration:

   migratory movements of birds.

4. roving; nomadic; wandering.

migratory

/ ˈmaɪɡrətərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by migration
2. nomadic; itinerant

migratory

/ mī′grə-tôr′ē /

1. Traveling from one place to another at regular times of year, often over long distances. Salmon, whales, and swallows are all migratory animals.

Other Words From

• non·migra·tory adjective
• pre·migra·tory adjective
• un·migra·tive adjective
• un·migra·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of migratory¹

First recorded in 1745–55; migrate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Instead, it is called D1 and originates from wild birds that likely came along the migratory Pacific flyway.

From Los Angeles Times

There are also concerns for the survival of migratory birds, many of which make stop-offs on Britain’s vast shorelines and estuaries.

From BBC

At the same time, the lake is growing saltier as it shrinks, bringing changes to a habitat that is a vital stopover for migratory birds.

From Los Angeles Times

A host of migratory birds from the Pacific Flyway are making it a regular stopover.

From Los Angeles Times

“They are consequences of the restrictive migratory policies that the government of Mexico is implementing.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• seasonal
• transient