Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to a king or queen: "royal" describes something connected to, belonging to, or issued by a monarch or monarchy.
   • Suitable for a monarch; magnificent: "royal" can describe something splendid, impressive, or on a grand scale, befitting a king or queen.
   • Established or authorized by a monarch: "royal" can describe an institution, charter, or society that was founded or sanctioned by royal authority.

2. Noun:

   • A stag with antlers of 12 or more branches: In hunting, a "royal" is a male red deer with a specific number of points on its antlers.
   • A sail on a sailing ship: A "royal" is a specific type of small sail set on the mast above the topgallant sail.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The royal family attended the ceremony.
  • They gave the ambassador a royal welcome.
  • The Royal Society was founded in 1660.

• Noun:

  • The hunter spotted a magnificent royal in the forest.
  • The sailors climbed the mast to furl the royal.

Advanced Usage

• "royal blue": a deep, vivid shade of blue.

  • She wore a dress in royal blue.

• "royal we": the use of "we" by a single monarch to refer to themselves.

  • The queen declared, "We are not amused."

• "royal flush": (in card games) an ace-high straight flush, the highest-ranking hand.

  • He won the poker game with a royal flush.

Variants and Related Words

• Royally (adverb): in a royal manner; splendidly.

  • They were royally entertained.

• Royalty (noun):

  • People of royal blood or status.

    • The film premiere was attended by royalty.
  • A payment made to an author, inventor, or owner for the use of their property.

    • She receives royalties from her book sales.

Synonyms

• Regal: of, resembling, or fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified.
• Imperial: relating to an empire or emperor.
• Majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Royal" is primarily an adjective/noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• Battle royal: a fierce fight or intense dispute involving many people.

  • The meeting turned into a battle royal over the new policy.

• Royal road to something: an easy or sure way to achieve something.

  • There is no royal road to learning; it requires hard work.

Adjective

1. invested with royal power as symbolized by a crown
   • the royal (or crowned) heads of Europe
2. belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler
   • golden age of imperial splendor
   • purple tyrant
   • regal attire
   • treated with royal acclaim
   • the royal carriage of a stag's head
3. being of the rank of a monarch
   • of royal ancestry
   • princes of the blood royal
4. established or chartered or authorized by royalty
   • the Royal Society
5. of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
   • the royal party
   • the royal crest
   • by royal decree
   • a royal visit

Noun

1. stag with antlers of 12 or more branches
2. a sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast