monarchy

/ˈmɑnərki/

/ˈmɒnɑki/

Other forms: monarchies

A monarchy is a country that is ruled by a monarch, and monarchy is this system or form of government.

A monarch, such as a king or queen, rules a kingdom or empire. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution. But in an absolute monarchy, the monarch has unlimited power. Monarchy is an old form of government, and the word has been around a long time. It derives from Greek monarkhiā, from monarkhos, "monarch."

Definitions of monarchy

1. noun

   an autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority
   types:

   parliamentary monarchy

   a monarchy having a parliament

   kingdom

   a monarchy with a king or queen as head of state

   empire

   a monarchy with an emperor as head of state

   Mogul empire

   an empire established by the Mogul conquerors of India that reigned from 1526 to 1857

   Second Empire

   the imperial government of Napoleon III in France from 1852-1870

   type of:

   autarchy, autocracy

   a political system governed by a single individual