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royalty

n.
US //ˈɹɔɪəɫti// UK //ɹˈɔɪəlti// roy·al·ty
  1. 1 royal people (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    members of a royal family, such as kings, queens, princes, and princesses.

    individuals of royal rank or lineage, collectively considered as a social group.

    Example

    The local crowds gathered at the palace gates to catch a glimpse of royalty.

    Example

    The wedding was attended by European royalty and various heads of state, making it the most significant diplomatic event of the decade.
  2. 2 payment for creative work (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    money paid to an author, musician, or inventor for every copy of their work sold.

    a payment made to a creator or owner for the ongoing use of their intellectual property, typically calculated as a percentage of sales.

    Example

    The singer still earns a lot of money in royalties every time her song is played on the radio.

    Example

    The contract stipulates that the author will receive a ten percent royalty on all hardcover sales, increasing to fifteen percent after the first five thousand copies.

    Usage

    usually used in the plural form 'royalties' when referring to the money received.
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  1. 3 payment for natural resources (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Law

    money paid to a landowner for the right to take oil, gas, or minerals from their land.

    a payment made by a mining or oil company to the owner of the land or mineral rights for the extraction of natural resources.

    Example

    The government receives a royalty for every barrel of oil extracted from the sea floor.

    Example

    Negotiations stalled over the specific royalty rates for the new lithium mine, with the local community demanding a larger share of the profits.
    • extraction fee
  2. 4 status of a monarch (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    the power, rank, or position of being a king or queen.

    the state, rank, or dignity of a monarch; the abstract quality of being royal.

    Example

    The crown is a symbol of the royalty and history of the nation.

    Example

    In his speech, the historian explored how the concept of royalty has evolved from absolute power to a largely ceremonial role.
  3. 5 poker hand (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Informal Sport

    a starting hand in a card game that consists of a king and a queen.

    a specific starting hand in Texas hold 'em poker consisting of a king and a queen of any suit.

    Example

    He decided to play the hand because he was dealt royalty.

    Example

    While royalty looks impressive in the hole, many professional players treat a king and queen with caution against a tight opponent.
Origin

From Middle English royaltee, roialtee, royalte, from Old French roialté, roiauté, realté (compare earlier Old French realted (“realm, kingdom”)), from Vulgar Latin *rēgālitās, from Latin rēgālis, equivalent to royal + -ty. Doublet of regality.

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