monarchy
[ mon-er-kee ]
/ ˈmɒn ər ki /
noun, plural mon·ar·chies.
a state or nation in which the supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in a monarch.
Compare absolute monarchy, limited monarchy.
supreme power or sovereignty held by a single person.
Origin of monarchy
OTHER WORDS FROM monarchy
an·ti·mon·ar·chy, adjective pro·mon·ar·chy, adjectiveWords nearby monarchy
monarch butterfly,
monarchal,
monarchianism,
monarchical,
monarchism,
monarchy,
monarda,
monarthric,
monarthritis,
monarticular,
monas
Example sentences from the Web for monarchy
British Dictionary definitions for monarchy
monarchy
/ (ˈmɒnəkɪ) /
noun plural -chies
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
a country reigned over by a king, prince, or other monarch
Cultural definitions for monarchy
monarchy
[ (mon-uhr-kee, mon-ahr-kee) ]
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.)