# monarch

/ˈmɑˌnɑɹk/ (US) · /mˈɒnək/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/monarch
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a ruler

noun · CEFR B2

a person who rules a kingdom or empire, such as a king, queen, or emperor.

For teachers: a hereditary sovereign, such as a king, queen, or emperor, who acts as the head of state in a monarchy.

- The monarch addressed the nation from the palace balcony during the jubilee.
- In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch typically serves as a symbolic figurehead while legislative power resides with an elected parliament.

### 3. the best of its kind

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the most important or powerful thing in a particular group.

For teachers: a person or thing that holds a preeminent position or is considered the best of its class.

- The old oak tree stood like a monarch over the rest of the forest.
- The mountain was the undisputed monarch of the range, its snow-capped peak towering thousands of feet above the surrounding summits.

## Examples

- The monarch addressed the nation on television last night.
- Under the new constitution, the monarch remains the head of state but holds very little political power.
- The transition from an absolute to a constitutional system significantly altered the role of the monarch, shifting executive authority to an elected parliament while retaining the crown as a symbol of national unity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.