migratory

Sometimes mi·gra·tive

[mahy-gruh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. migrating.

2. periodically migrating.

   a migratory species; migratory workers.

3. pertaining to a migration.

   migratory movements of birds.

4. roving; nomadic; wandering.

migratory

/ ˈmaɪɡrətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by migration

2. nomadic; itinerant

migratory

1. Traveling from one place to another at regular times of year, often over long distances. Salmon, whales, and swallows are all migratory animals.

Other Word Forms

• nonmigratory adjective
• premigratory adjective
• unmigrative adjective
• unmigratory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of migratory¹

First recorded in 1745–55; migrate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

And any day now, other migratory birds would begin passing through on their long journeys to the south.

Read more on Literature

The avian influenza virus known as H5N1 has threatened U.S. poultry farms since 2022, after migratory waterfowl carried a new strain of the virus into North and South America.

Read more on Barron's

"For us, the migratory phenomenon is not only a question of moral principles, solidarity and dignity, but also one of rationality," the prime minister said.

Read more on BBC

In this investigation, scientists measured concentrations of these chemicals in the tissues and diet of tree swallows, a migratory bird found throughout North America.

Read more on Science Daily

"We're now starting to enter the high-risk period for avian influenza and that is signalled by the movement of migratory birds," he said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• seasonal 
• transient