/ ˈrɔɪəl; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective [ only before noun ]
1.
connected with or belonging to the king or queen of a country :
the royal family
the royal household
—compare regal
2.
( abbr. R ) used in the names of organizations that serve or are supported by a king or queen :
the Royal Navy
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
3.
impressive; suitable for a king or queen
SYN splendid :
We were given a royal welcome.
■ noun
[ usually pl. ] ( informal ) a member of a royal family
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French roial , from Latin regalis regal.