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

One of them hit a railway line shortly after a train carrying European dignitaries had passed through. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

On Sunday, a Russian drone struck a passenger train carrying foreign dignitaries on a visit to Ukraine, including senior European officials and former CIA Director David Petraeus, forcing them to evacuate near the Polish border. — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

The city will be closing streets around Ground Zero as dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance, are slated to attend a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Norwegian officials and foreign dignitaries joined the solemn procession. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 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