monarch

Pronunciation: /ˈmɑnɚk/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
  2. noun large migratory American butterfly having deep orange wings with black and white markings; the larvae feed on milkweed

Etymology

From Middle French monarque, from Late Latin monarcha, from Ancient Greek μονάρχης (monárkhēs), variant of μόναρχος (mónarkhos, “sole ruler”), from μόνος (mónos, “only”) + ἀρχός (arkhós, “leader”), equivalent to mono- + -arch. * (butterfly): See monarch butterfly.

In classic literature

Synonyms

sovereign, crowned head

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
ruler, head of state
Narrower (hyponyms)
carolingian, shah, capetian, czar, king, emperor

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