# monarch

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmɒnək/ · frequency rank #11,422

## Definitions
1. The ruler of an absolute monarchy or the head of state of a constitutional monarchy.
2. A monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and others of genus Danaus, found primarily in North America.
3. A police officer.
4. A stag which has sixteen or more points or tines on its antlers.
5. The chief or best thing of its kind.
6. Any bird of the family Monarchidae.

## Etymology
From Middle French monarque, from Late Latin monarcha, from Ancient Greek μονάρχης (monárkhēs), variant of μόναρχος (mónarkhos, “sole ruler”), from μόνος (mónos, “only”) + ἀρχός (arkhós, “leader”), equivalent to mono- + -arch.
* (butterfly): See monarch butterfly.

## Easily confused with
- **Monash** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/monarch-vs-monash)
- **monarchy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/monarch-vs-monarchy)
- **march** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/march-vs-monarch)
- **Monaco** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/monaco-vs-monarch)

## Common misspellings (11)
`mmonarch`, `mnoarch`, `moanrch`, `monacrh`, `monarcch`, `monarchh`, `monarhc`, `monarrch`, `monnarch`, `monrach`, `omnarch`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/monarch