dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio)
-ˌte-rē
plural dignitaries
: one who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor
dignitary adjective

Examples of dignitary in a Sentence

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The king, perhaps, was anxious to maintain his control over the nuts as a diplomatic resource—a means of impressing important dignitaries. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 June 2025 One of Wishman’s most Sapphic films is this gritty black-and-white sexploitation shocker about assassins who weasel their way into an apartment shared by two lesbians in order to kill a foreign dignitary. Erik Piepenburg, New York Times, 2 June 2025 The fortnight since his May 8 election has been a whirlwind of public appearances and meetings with dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 The president may also order the flag to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, in addition to tragic events. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dignitary

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignitary was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun
dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio)
plural dignitaries
: a person of high position or honor
dignitaries of the church

More from Merriam-Webster on dignitary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!