migratory

adjective

mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce migratory (audio)
Synonyms of migratorynext
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by migration
2
: wandering, roving

Synonyms of migratory

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Examples of migratory in a Sentence

most of the apple crop is picked by migratory workers migratory birds heading south for the winter
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 saved the Canada goose, as well as hundreds of other bird species, by putting limits on which and when migratory birds could be hunted or taken. — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Wind turbines increasingly harm bats and birds through collisions and barotrauma, especially migratory species. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 The geographic scope of the Ramsar talks was gradually widened from a European focus, as the parties considered the impact of wetlands conservation on dwindling populations of migratory birds. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 However, in most migratory birds, partners travel separately. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for migratory

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of migratory was in 1708

Rhymes for migratory

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Browse Nearby Words

migratorial
migratory
migratory ant
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Cite this Entry

“Migratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/migratory. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

migratory

adjective
mi·​gra·​to·​ry ˈmī-grə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce migratory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: having a way of life that includes making migrations
migratory workers

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