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 Discover the monarch butterfly migration in Michoacán, the firefly sanctuary in Tlaxcala, and the Mayan ruins around the Yucatan — all from the museum’s 360-degree dome and exhibition halls. Have a wellness encounter. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 The book takes us on a magical journey through the migration of monarch butterflies from Mexico to up north and how many of our parents embark on similar journeys in search of better opportunities. Roxsy Lin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 These pollinator plants are considered flammable and a fire risk, but are fundamental for a thriving a monarch butterfly habitat. Giuseppe Ricapito, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2024 Schaller will lead a hands-on demonstration focusing on early cultivation of common milkweed, a host plant of monarch butterflies. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 Monarch butterflies get extra lift from spots on their wings The monarch butterfly’s death-defying migration is in a class of its own. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023 In fact, there’s a distinct population of monarch butterflies that live on the west coast of North America, and which have their own travel plans. Jason Bittel, Travel, 22 Jan. 2024 And the special effect of fluttering metal glitter, meant to represent the millions of monarch butterflies that return to Michoacan each year to wait out the winter, is visually stunning. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2023 In firefly larvae, the glow warns predators of toxic chemical defenses, much as the red of a ladybug or the orange of a monarch butterfly does. Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monarch butterfly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near monarch butterfly

Cite this Entry

“Monarch butterfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monarch%20butterfly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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