migratory

American  

[mahy-gruh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈmaɪ grəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

Sometimes migrative

adjective

1. migrating.

2. periodically migrating.

   a migratory species; migratory workers.

3. pertaining to a migration.

   migratory movements of birds.

4. roving; nomadic; wandering.

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migratory British  

/ ˈmaɪɡrətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by migration

2. nomadic; itinerant

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migratory Scientific  

/ mī′grə-tôr′ē /

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of migratory

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

Example Sentences

Rather than spreading only through passive release into surrounding tissue, viruses can exploit the body's own migratory machinery to move efficiently and systemically.

From Science Daily

This was back in October, when flying through China is the equivalent of rush hour for migratory birds heading to Australia, New Zealand or southern Africa.

From BBC

It does not include simultaneous outbreaks seeded by migratory birds or by poultry networks.

From BBC

Many people, including scientists, are used to thinking of North American migratory birds as heading south during the nonbreeding season, which is typically our "winter," to find milder weather and more reliable food.

From Science Daily

This region shelters not only migratory songbirds but also jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• seasonal
• transient