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

Derived 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

In Norway, where Griffin delivered his recent remarks, a strong social safety net is a hallmark of the country, which is governed as a constitutional monarchy.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

While government ministers tried to turn Russia into a constitutional monarchy, Rasputin offered spiritual guidance to the czar and empress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The German Empire, which had only existed for 17 years when Wilhelm took the throne in 1888, was a half-baked constitutional monarchy.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

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

From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025

It approves of constitutional monarchy as the best form of government, and permits republics.292 But this monarchy will be limited not so much by its constitution as by the law of Bahaism and its hierarchy.

From Bahaism and Its Claims A Study of the Religion Promulgated by Baha Utlah and Abdul Baha by Wilson, Samuel Graham