Monarchy
/ˈmɒn.ək.i/noun
A form of government in which a single person, typically a king or queen, rules a state.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek monarkhía, and its root arkh- is the same ancient power-root behind words like anarchism and hierarchy—so even “rule” carries a hidden history of order and command.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
monarkhía
“rule by one person”
Late Greek
Greek
monarkhēs
“a sole ruler or monarch”
Late Latin
Latin
monarchia
“monarchy, rule by one”
Old French
French
monarchie
“monarchy; sovereign rule”
Middle English
English
monarchie
“rule by a king or queen”
Modern English
English
monarchy
“a political system headed by a single sovereign”
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