monarchy

[ mon-er-kee ]

noun

, plural mon·ar·chies.

1. a state or nation in which the supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in a monarch. Compare absolute monarchy, limited monarchy.
2. supreme power or sovereignty held by a single person.

monarchy

/ ˈmɒnəkɪ /

noun

1. a form of government in which supreme authority is vested in a single and usually hereditary figure, such as a king, and whose powers can vary from those of an absolute despot to those of a figurehead
2. a country reigned over by a king, prince, or other monarch

monarchy

1. A system of government in which one person reigns, usually a king or queen. The authority, or crown, in a monarchy is generally inherited. The ruler, or monarch, is often only the head of state, not the head of government. Many monarchies, such as Britain and Denmark , are actually governed by parliaments . ( See absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy .)

Other Words From

• anti·monar·chy adjective
• pro·monar·chy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of monarchy¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English monarchie, from Late Latin monarchia, from Greek monarchía. See monarch, -y ³

Synonym Study

See kingdom.

Example Sentences

“That principle as much as any other distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”

From Salon

“That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it. At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

Led in the U.S. by self-described “monarchists” who actively seek to restore their Bourbon prince to the throne, the Constantinian Order seems to exist above all to keep the lost monarchy alive: allowing a would-be king to exercise his hereditary privilege in a miniature kingdom of loyal subjects, and allowing those he deems worthy to bask in the royal glow.

From Slate

By contrast, the American republic was founded on an explicit rejection of monarchy and nobility, which the framers viewed as inimical to principles of equality and equal justice under the law.

From Slate

According to a leading monarchist revered by these knights, “throne and altar” monarchy sees the church as the “animating principle of society” that “confers legitimacy and authority upon the King via … ceremonies of state,” while the monarch exercises power with a “God-given authority.”

From Slate

Related Words

• sovereignty
• throne