migration

noun

mi·​gra·​tion mī-ˈgrā-shən How to pronounce migration (audio)
Synonyms of migration
: the act, process, or an instance of migrating
watched the migration of the birds overhead
migrational
mī-ˈgrā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce migration (audio)
adjective

Examples of migration in a Sentence

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.
First is to prevent their further migration by enforcing an international treaty obliging national authorities to treat ballast waters inside incoming ships that may carry such species. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Public-private information exchange, post-quantum cryptography migration, and zero trust concepts must become commonplace. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The Mississippi Flyway, one of the country’s most important migration routes, draws thousands of migrating birds through the corridor each spring. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 In Basti, displacement is presented as a condition that continues long after migration has ended. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for migration

Word History

Etymology

French or Latin; French, from Latin migration-, migratio, from migratus (past participle of migrare to migrate) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at migrate

First Known Use

circa 1527, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of migration was circa 1527

Phrases Containing migration

Rhymes for migration

See All Rhymes for migration

Browse Nearby Words

migratetics
migration
migrationist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Migration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/migration. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

migration

noun
mi·​gra·​tion
mī-ˈgrā-shən
1
: the act or an instance of migrating
2
: a group of individuals that are migrating

Medical Definition

migration

noun
mi·​gra·​tion mī-ˈgrā-shən How to pronounce migration (audio)
: the act, process, or an instance of migrating
migration of larval nematodes to the lungs

More from Merriam-Webster on migration

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for migration

Nglish: Translation of migration for Spanish Speakers

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