Word
migratory
Phoneticsmi·gra·to·ry, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaɪɡɹəˌtɔɹi/
UK/maɪɡɹˈætəɹˌi/
Definition
adj. describing animals or people that move from one place to another at certain times of the year. You use this most often to talk about birds or fish that travel long distances to find food or better weather.
adj. relating to or characterised by seasonal movement from one region to another. Typically describes animals following cyclical patterns for breeding or feeding; can also describe human populations moving for seasonal work.
Examples
“Many migratory birds fly south for the winter.”
“The local wetlands are a vital stop for migratory species during their long journey across the continent.”
“Conservationists are concerned that rising temperatures may disrupt the migratory patterns of several whale species, forcing them to seek new feeding grounds in unfamiliar waters.”
Examples
simple
“Many migratory birds fly south for the winter.”
contextual
“The local wetlands are a vital stop for migratory species during their long journey across the continent.”
complex
“Conservationists are concerned that rising temperatures may disrupt the migratory patterns of several whale species, forcing them to seek new feeding grounds in unfamiliar waters.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'birds', 'species', or 'patterns'.
Real-World Examples
“Australia confirmed its first case of H5N1 in June in migratory seabirds.” “The wider area is also an important passage and resting ground for migratory birds.”
Israeli tanks make their way through the village of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah in southern Lebanon on 2 August.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin migrātōrius or migrate + -ory.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/migratory