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Migratory: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：moving seasonally (migratory)

migratory 🔊

/ˈmaɪɡrətɔːri/

adj.

Describes animals that regularly move from one region to another, often with the seasons, like birds flying south for winter.

Migratory behavior illustrated by geese flying in V-formation at sunset.

moving seasonally 🔊

➕

/ˈmuːvɪŋ ˈsiːzənəli/

adj.

Describes the characteristic behavior of certain animals that undertake regular, often long-distance, journeys between different regions, typically in response to seasonal changes, breeding needs, or resource availability.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'migrare' (to move) + '-ory' (relating to).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'migratory birds' that MOVE GREAT distances. The 'migr-' root relates to moving or changing place.

📖 Example

Every autumn, we can see migratory swans gathering at the lake before their long journey south. 🔊 Every autumn, we can see swans that move with the seasons gathering at the lake before their long journey south.

🔗 Collocations

migratory birds – bird species that travel long distances seasonally

migratory patterns – the established routes and timings of animal movements

migratory route – the specific path taken during migration

🔄 Synonyms

migrating (adj.) – in the process of moving from one habitat to another

nomadic (adj.) – wandering from place to place; often used for people but can apply to animals

transient (adj.) – lasting only for a short time; passing through

🚫 Antonyms

sedentary (adj.) – tending to stay in one place; not migratory

stationary (adj.) – not moving or not intended to be moved

resident (adj.) – living in a particular place permanently

🌱 Derivatives

migration (n.) – the act or process of migrating

migrant (n./adj.) – one that migrates; also used as an adjective

emigrate (v.) – to leave one's country or region to settle in another

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'migrare', entering English via French. Historically linked to animal movement patterns documented since antiquity. The modern study of migratory species is a cornerstone of ecology and conservation biology.

Meaning 2：traveling for work (migratory)

migratory 🔊

/ˈmaɪɡrətɔːri/

adj.

Describes people who move from place to place, often for work or seasonal jobs, without settling down permanently.

Concept of migratory workers shown by a construction worker moving to a new job site.

traveling for work 🔊

➕

/ˈtrævəlɪŋ fɔːr wɜːrk/

adj.

Describes people, particularly workers, who move from one location to another, frequently in search of employment, following seasonal work opportunities, or due to the temporary nature of their jobs, without establishing a permanent home in any single place.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The construction industry relies heavily on a migratory workforce that travels from one project site to the next. 🔊 The construction industry relies heavily on a workforce that travels for work, moving from one project site to the next.

🔗 Collocations

migratory labor – workers who move to find temporary employment

migratory lifestyle – a way of life characterized by frequent moves

migratory worker – an individual who moves to do temporary jobs

🔄 Synonyms

itinerant (adj.) – traveling from place to place, especially for work

peripatetic (adj.) – traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places periodically

mobile (adj.) – able to move or be moved freely; not fixed

🚫 Antonyms

settled (adj.) – established in a permanent home or way of life

permanent (adj.) – lasting or intended to last indefinitely

local (adj.) – relating to or existing in a particular area

🌱 Derivatives

immigrate (v.) – to come to live permanently in a foreign country

immigration (n.) – the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country

migrator (n.) – one who migrates