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.
Discovering unknown migrations More than 70% of North American bird species are migratory. — Amy L. Scarpignato, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 Peters said the Huntington Beach area tends to see more sharks in the fall and spring due to migratory patterns. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The spring peepers will then be tucked in their frozen state, and many of the migratory songbirds will be living down South where insects are active. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 In winter, several migratory duck species spend the season on its clear-flowing creeks and ponds, including beaver ponds. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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