constitutional monarchy

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl mon-er-kee, -tyoo-] / ˈkɒn stɪˌtu ʃə nl ˈmɒn ər ki, -ˌtyu- /

noun

1. limited monarchy.

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constitutional monarchy British  

noun

1. Also called: limited monarchy.  a monarchy governed according to a constitution that limits and defines the powers of the sovereign

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constitutional monarchy Cultural  

1. A form of national government in which the power of the monarch (the king or queen) is restrained by a parliament, by law, or by custom. Several nations, especially in modern times, have passed from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, including Belgium, Britain, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

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Other Word Forms

• constitutional monarch noun

Etymology

Origin of constitutional monarchy

First recorded in 1795–1805

Compare meaning

How does constitutional-monarchy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• absolute monarchy vs. constitutional monarchy

Example Sentences

The last World Cup, Bertoli notes, was held in Qatar, an energy-rich constitutional monarchy where freedom of association and expression is heavily restricted and thousands of migrant workers are held in conditions that have been likened to slavery or servitude.

From Los Angeles Times

He disappointed Francoists by supporting a parliamentary system within a constitutional monarchy.

From Barron's

He cites Britain and the U.S. as examples France might have followed to create a constitutional monarchy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Born in Bangkok on August 12, 1932, as the country transitioned from absolute to constitutional monarchy, Sirikit Kitiyakara was the daughter of a diplomat who was a minor royal himself.

From Barron's

Carney has praised the "historic ties" that make up Canada's independent identity, including the "vitality of our constitutional monarchy", which he said "crises only fortify".

From BBC