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

Chronic unemployment is pushing many young people from the region to attempt dangerous migratory routes seeking better opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.

From BBC

Routledge learned that the islanders’ “social existence” had once revolved around what she called the bird cult—an annual competition to “obtain the first egg of a certain migratory sea-bird.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Al-Sunut forest had long served as a haven for migratory birds and a vital green shield against the Nile's seasonal floods.

From Barron's

The time of year it happened meant many key migratory birds had not arrived back to Pembrokeshire's cliffs and islands - and the wind direction blew some of the oil away from the coast.

From BBC

"It's risky to say that the naval blockade can be triggered by exceptional migratory pressure, given that this is a frequent occurrence," Albano told La Stampa daily.

From Barron's

Related Words

• seasonal
• transient