dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

-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

In the second half of the 18th Dynasty (1550—1292 BCE), high-ranking city dignitaries created tombs for themselves in the limestone cliffs at Bubasteion. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026

Among the ships open for tours is the USS Arlington, a nearly 700-foot-long Navy amphibious transport ship, which typically moves Marines, Sailors and dignitaries across the world. — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Sometimes, there are three dinners with local officials and dignitaries or 2am bedtimes before rest days. — Andy McGrath, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Taking place at the Hôtel de Ville, the event saw Emmanuel Grégoire, the Mayor of the City of Paris, welcome the Esports World Cup and dignitaries from the event and its partners to Paris. — Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dignitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

plural dignitaries

: a person of high position or honor

dignitaries of the church