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.
Some travelers scrambled to book last-minute airfare and rapidly evaporating accommodations to attend the liturgical service, which is expected to draw a litany of global faith leaders and world dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance, who is leading an American delegation there. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 McDonald has coordinated security for various dignitaries around the world. Adam Sabes , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 In addition to various foreign dignitaries, the ceremony had been attended by a young French entrepreneur named Dany Laurent. Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025 The leaders then headed to the Royal Court, where a procession of dignitaries, officials and business figures waited their turn to shake hands with them. Brendan Cole shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 28 May. 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
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