Definition

Noun: - A group of people closely related to a reigning monarch: The term "royal family" refers to the immediate kin of a king or queen, including their spouse, children, and often other close relatives who hold royal status.

Usage

"Royal family" is used as a singular collective noun to refer to the sovereign and their close relatives as a single unit. It denotes their shared status, lineage, and public role. - The British royal family resides in several palaces. - The royal family attended the state ceremony together.

Advanced Usage

• "The [Name of Country] royal family": A common construction to specify the monarchy of a particular nation.
  • The Swedish royal family is known for its modern approach.

Variants and Related Words

• Royalty (noun): Royal persons collectively; the status or power of a monarch. While "royalty" can refer to the concept or to royal individuals as a group, "royal family" is more specific to a kin group.
  • The event was attended by European royalty. (This refers to various royal individuals, not necessarily a single family unit.)

Synonyms

• The monarchy: The institution comprising the monarch and their family.
• The sovereign's house: A formal term for the dynasty or family line (e.g., the House of Windsor).

Related Phrases

• "Royal household": Refers more specifically to the staff and establishment that supports the royal family's daily life and duties, though it is sometimes used interchangeably in a broad sense.

Noun

1. royal persons collectively
   • the wedding was attended by royalty