monarch butterfly

noun

: a large migratory American butterfly (Danaus plexippus) that has orange-brown wings with black veins and borders and a larva that feeds on milkweed

Illustration of monarch butterfly

Illustration of monarch butterfly

Examples of monarch butterfly 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.
Blackberry brambles adorn a facing fence, while milkweed plantings scattered throughout the garden feed monarch butterflies. Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a March 7 letter that lighting and noise from the show could disrupt the diverse bird species that live at the park, including the bald eagle and monarch butterfly. Claire Wang, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025 For example, monarch butterflies have often been a symbol for migration and immigrants' rights, representing resilience on long journeys. Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Following the shorelines of the Great Lakes, monarch butterflies are gradually leaving Michigan as their instincts take them south. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monarch butterfly

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monarch butterfly was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Monarch butterfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarch%20butterfly. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

monarch butterfly

noun
: a large orange and black American butterfly that migrates in large numbers in the spring and fall and whose larva feeds on milkweed

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